Category: Music

Kanye West, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and fashion icon, made a surprise appearance at comedian Deon Cole’s show at the Hollywood Improv in Los Angeles on December 27, 2025, leaving fans in awe. The unexpected moment quickly became the talk of social media as Ye joined Cole onstage mid-performance, sparking excitement in the crowd.

During the appearance, Kanye West took the opportunity to confirm that a new album is on the way, delighting fans who have been anticipating fresh music since his last projects in 2025. While Ye didn’t reveal a full tracklist or all details, the announcement marks one of the first public confirmations of his next studio effort.

The upcoming project, reportedly titled BULLY, has been discussed by Kanye throughout the year but faced multiple delays. Sources indicate that the album is now scheduled for a January 30, 2026 release, and fans can expect new singles or teasers in the coming weeks leading up to the drop.

This isn’t the first time Kanye has leveraged unexpected public appearances to make major announcements. His surprise presence at Cole’s show follows a pattern of high-profile, unconventional reveals that keep fans and the media engaged. Social media quickly reacted, with clips of the appearance trending and fans speculating about the album’s sound, collaborations, and themes.

Ye’s confirmation comes at a time when his influence on music, fashion, and pop culture remains significant. With multiple Grammy awards, fashion lines, and chart-topping hits to his name, each new project from Kanye West carries global attention. BULLY is expected to continue this trajectory, giving fans both the signature Ye sound and new creative directions.

As anticipation builds, fans are keeping a close eye on Kanye’s channels and social media for additional updates. Industry watchers predict that BULLY could be one of the biggest releases of early 2026, potentially dominating charts and streaming platforms worldwide.

The Lagos State Government has confirmed enhanced transportation support for Wizkid’s upcoming “G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time Experience” concert, scheduled to hold on Sunday, 28 December 2025 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. According to an official press release, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will operate a special service to manage mobility demands and ease movement for attendees.

The temporary upgrade will see the Blue Line boost its normal Sunday schedule from 22 trips to 54, with trains running at 30-minute intervals between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. This adjustment is designed to accommodate the increased traffic expected around the concert venue and nearby Marina axis.

Concert Timeline

The “G.O.A.T Experience” concert, headlined by Wizkid, will run from: 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 28 December 2025 to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025.

With thousands of fans expected to attend, the additional rail support is intended to reduce road congestion, improve safety, and provide a more coordinated travel experience into central Lagos. The Blue Line service will return to its regular weekday schedule of 90 train trips daily starting Monday, 29 December 2025.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) stated that the arrangement aims to keep Lagos moving efficiently during festive activities while ensuring concertgoers have a reliable alternative to road traffic.

Wizkid’s “G.O.A.T Experience” concert is already shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of 2025, and the Lagos State Government’s approval of a 54-trip Blue Line railway service signals a significant commitment to event logistics and public convenience. With extended operating hours and a scaled-up route schedule, concertgoers are expected to benefit from a safer and more organized movement system throughout the event.

In a significant shake-up for the global music industry, YouTube has announced it will stop providing its streaming data to Billboard’s U.S. music charts starting January 16, 2026. This decision ends a decade-long partnership that helped measure song popularity and influence chart positions for artists around the world. 

The move arose from a dispute over how Billboard weights different types of streams, raising questions about digital consumption, fairness, and how chart success should be defined in the streaming era. Here’s a breakdown of what this change means for artists, fans, and the music business at large.

Why YouTube Pulled Back Its Data

At the heart of the split is a disagreement over Billboard’s chart methodology specifically, how it assigns different values to paid versus ad-supported streams:

• Billboard currently gives more weight to paid or subscription streams (like Spotify Premium or Apple Music) than to free, ad-supported plays.
• YouTube argues this system undervalues listening behaviour on its platform, where billions of users stream music for free with ads. 

In response, Billboard updated its formula for 2026 to make ad-supported streams count more than they did before (reducing the number of streams needed to count toward the charts). However, paid streams still count significantly more than free streams, and YouTube says this doesn’t reflect how modern fans actually engage with music. 

YouTube’s global head of music, Lyor Cohen, called Billboard’s formula “outdated” and insisted that all streams paid or free should be counted equally for chart calculations. Because Billboard would not adopt this approach, YouTube announced it will stop submitting its data for all Billboard charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200. 

A Brief History of YouTube & Billboard Charts

YouTube began contributing data to Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2013, recognizing that video streams were a growing part of how people consume music. Later, its data was added to album charts like the Billboard 200. 

Because YouTube reaches billions of listeners worldwide; especially in regions where paid subscriptions are less common, its inclusion historically helped songs chart higher based on popularity across video and music formats.

Now, with the partnership ending after January 16, 2026, YouTube streams will no longer factor into these official U.S. rankings unless the two organizations find a new agreement. 

How Billboard’s New Chart Rules Work

For charts dated January 17, 2026 (tracking data from January 2-8), Billboard will adjust its streaming values:

• 1,000 paid/subscription on-demand streams = one album unit
• 2,500 ad-supported on-demand streams = one album unit

This narrows the difference between paid and free streams compared with previous years, but paid streams still count more per stream than ad-supported ones. 

Under this system, a song must be streamed more times on a free tier to count the same as fewer paid streams, a key reason YouTube disagrees with the approach. 

What this could mean for Artists

• Chart Visibility Changes: Songs that used to climb based on huge YouTube view counts alone may now chart lower or not at all on Billboard charts.
• Strategy Shifts: Labels may push artists toward platforms where plays still count fully for Billboard, such as Spotify, Apple Music, or other paid services.
• Video Release Planning: Big-budget music videos might become less central to chart strategies, though they’ll still matter for engagement and reach.

Artists with strong YouTube performance particularly in genres like K-pop, hip-hop, Latin pop, and Afrobeats,  may feel the biggest impact, as many of their fans use YouTube as a primary means of listening. 

For Fans

• Streaming Choices Matter More: Streaming on paid platforms may have more chart impact than listening on YouTube alone.
• Billboard Chart Dynamics Change: Fans who boosted songs to the charts via YouTube views might see different results going forward.

What This Doesn’t Change

• Music Industry Certifications: YouTube streams will still count toward certifications like RIAA Gold and Platinum, which have their own criteria separate from Billboard charts.
• Luminate Reporting: YouTube continues to submit data to Luminate (a major industry analytics provider), so labels and artists will still see full YouTube consumption metrics. 

YouTube’s move isn’t just a technical shift in how charts are calculated, it’s a cultural statement about what matters most in music consumption today. Whether this leads to new chart models or renewed negotiation between platforms and publishers remains to be seen.

Barack Obama’s annual favorite music list has become a cultural moment of its own. Every year, the former U.S. president shares songs he enjoyed the most, cutting across genres, generations, and continents.

In 2025, the list once again proved how global modern music has become and Nigeria stood tall once again.

Asake, Burna Boy, and Olamidé all earned spots on Obama’s favorite music list this year, reinforcing Afrobeats’ growing influence on the world’s biggest cultural stages.

Afrobeats’ Strong Presence on a Global Playlist

Obama’s music lists are not charts or awards. They are personal playlists that reflect what he listens to and enjoys. That’s what makes them powerful.

So, when Nigerian artists appear, it signals something deeper than popularity; it shows cultural relevance.

This year’s list included:

• Burna Boy with Tatata (featuring Travis Scott)
• Olamidé, Asake, Seyi Vibez, Daecolm, and Young Jonn on 99

These selections placed Nigerian street pop and Afrofusion side-by-side with global pop, hip-hop, indie, and jazz records.

Burna Boy’s appearance on the list comes as no surprise. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent global exports.

Tatata, his collaboration with Travis Scott, blends Afrofusion rhythms with international rap energy. Its inclusion reflects how Burna Boy continues to operate comfortably at the intersection of African identity and global appeal.

Perhaps the most significant moment on the list is the inclusion of 99; a song deeply rooted in Nigerian street pop culture.

Led by Olamidé and Asake, alongside Seyi Vibez, Daecolm, and Young Jonn, 99 represents a raw, energetic Lagos sound. It is the kind of song born from the streets, clubs, and everyday experiences of Nigerian youth.

Seeing it land on a playlist curated by a former U.S. president speaks volumes.

Olamidé’s role as a culture driver and Asake’s rise as one of Afrobeats’ most exciting modern stars come together on this track.

Barack Obama’s favorite music lists have always served as a snapshot of the year’s cultural mood. In 2025, that snapshot clearly includes Nigeria.

For Asake, Burna Boy, and Olamidé, making the list is not just a personal win; it’s another moment of validation for Nigerian music as a global force.

As Detty December 2025 reaches full momentum across Nigeria, Abuja is preparing for one of its biggest music moments of the year. British-Nigerian star Skepta has landed in the capital ahead of his first-ever live performance in Abuja, where he will headline the Capital Machine block party alongside Nigerian rap heavyweight Odumodublvck.

The event, scheduled for December 18, 2025, is already generating massive attention online, with fans describing it as one of the most important UK–Nigeria hip-hop crossovers of the year.

Skepta, born Joseph Junior Adenuga to Nigerian parents, is one of the most influential figures in UK grime. Known globally for songs like Shutdown and That’s Not Me, he has built a career that blends music, fashion, and cultural leadership.

In 2025, he was named GQ Man of the Year, further cementing his relevance beyond music. His appearance in Abuja during Detty December carries symbolic weight, representing both a return to his roots and a growing global interest in Nigerian hip-hop culture beyond Lagos.

Videos shared online, including clips posted by Odumodublvck, show Skepta arriving in Abuja in high spirits, fueling anticipation for the night’s performance.

Capital Machine Block Party: What to Expect

The Capital Machine block party, presented by Anti World Gangstas, kicks off at 7 PM and is expected to run late into the night. More than a regular concert, the event is positioned as a cultural statement, merging UK grime with Nigeria’s evolving rap sound.

Odumodublvck, an Abuja native best known for Declan Rice, has long championed the city’s rap scene. In past interviews and posts, he predicted that global artists like Skepta would eventually tap into Abuja’s sound and energy. This collaboration brings that vision to life.

This collaboration goes beyond Detty December hype. It highlights Abuja’s rising importance in Nigeria’s music and entertainment landscape and shows how Nigerian rap is gaining global attention on its own terms.

Lagos witnessed a historic moment as Nigerian music superstars Davido and Wizkid both performed at the GTCO End-of-Year Party. The event, held in Lagos, became one of the biggest highlights of the 2025 Detty December celebrations and drew massive attention from fans, media, and social platforms.

The GTCO End-of-Year Party is an annual corporate event organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) to celebrate the end of the year with customers, partners, and staff. Over the years, the event has grown into a major entertainment gathering, often featuring top Nigerian artists. However, this year’s edition stood out due to the presence of both Davido and Wizkid on the same stage.

The event took place in Lagos and attracted a large audience made up of music lovers, influencers, business leaders, and celebrities. Excitement was already high before the performances began, but it reached a new level when Wizkid and Davido both appeared.

Wizkid delivered a powerful performance, thrilling fans with some of his biggest hits. The crowd sang along as he performed with confidence and energy. His appearance officially signaled the start of Detty December, a period known for concerts, parties, and entertainment across Lagos.

Later in the night, Davido also took the stage and gave an equally energetic performance. Known for his strong stage presence, Davido performed several of his popular songs, keeping the audience fully engaged. Fans responded with loud cheers and excitement throughout his set.

What made the GTCO End-of-Year Party special was the fact that Davido and Wizkid both performed at the same event. The two artists are often seen as rivals by fans, even though both have contributed greatly to the global growth of Afrobeats. Seeing them perform at the same corporate event surprised many people and quickly became a trending topic online.

Videos from the event spread rapidly on social media platforms, with fans praising GTCO for bringing both stars together. Many described the moment as historic and a positive sign for the Nigerian music industry.

Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Omah Lay is getting ready for the release of his sophomore studio album, Clarity of Mind. Following his critically acclaimed debut Boy Alone, Omah Lay has continued to establish himself as one of Africa’s most compelling musical talents, blending Afrobeat, R&B, and soul influences.

Release Date Updates

Initially, the album was rumored to drop on May 16, 2025, but Omah Lay’s management later clarified that the date had not been officially confirmed. According to the latest press releases from Keyqaad and Warner Records, fans can now expect Clarity of Mind to arrive in early 2026.

This delay has only heightened anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on the full tracklist, collaborations, and production details.

Singles and Early Previews

Omah Lay has already released the single “Waist”, which serves as a preview of the album’s Afro-fusion style and introspective themes. Earlier tracks like “Moving” have also set the stage for what promises to be a project exploring growth, purpose, and self-reflection.

Music critics and fans alike are praising the single for its smooth production, catchy rhythms, and lyrical depth, further increasing excitement around the full album release.

The title Clarity of Mind suggests a more personal and introspective body of work, with Omah Lay diving deeper into themes of emotional growth, identity, and life experiences. This approach mirrors his earlier work, but promises an evolution in both sound and storytelling.

While the official tracklist is yet to be revealed, industry insiders anticipate collaborations with both Nigerian and international artists, making this already one of the most awaited Afrobeat releases of 2026.

Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind is shaping up to be a milestone in his career, promising introspective lyrics, infectious Afrobeat rhythms, and global appeal. Fans should stay tuned for official announcements from the artist and his label regarding the exact release date and additional singles ahead of the full album launch and trust Streamdorm to keep you updated.

Streamdorm Music Updates

Rhythm Unplugged 2025 is officially set, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated entertainment events of the festive season. The concert, powered by Coca-Cola and organised by Flytime Promotions, will take place on December 21, 2025, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria.

The show returns under the theme “From Nigeria to the World,” and the lineup reflects that ambition with a blend of top Afrobeats stars, street-pop sensations, and an international headliner creating a global appeal.

Rema and Central Cee Lead the 2025 Lineup

Afrobeats superstar Rema has been announced as the main headliner, backed by UK rapper Central Cee, making this one of the strongest cross continental pairings Rhythm Unplugged has hosted in recent years.

The full lineup also includes:

• BNXN
• Shallipopi
• Odumodublvck
• Smada
• Shoday
• ZerryDL
• Zaylevelten
• Mavo
• Famous Pluto
• Molly
• Fola
• BLNDE
• Chella

This mix puts both established chart-toppers and Gen-Z rising stars on the same stage.

For nearly two decades, Rhythm Unplugged has dominated Nigeria’s December concert culture.

Event Details: Date, Venue, and Tickets

• Date: December 21, 2025
• Venue: Eko Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Tickets: Available exclusively on Cene, Cene+, and therhythmunplugged.com

Rhythm Unplugged 2025 is set to be one of the biggest music events in Africa this year. With Rema and Central Cee leading an impressive list of performers, Lagos is gearing up for an explosive night of music, culture, and entertainment.

Afrobeat musician and outspoken Pan-African thinker Seun Anikulapo Kuti has never been one to shy away from difficult conversations. In an exclusive interview with Streamdorm, the artist opened up about African identity, political consciousness, the problems with today’s social media culture, and the mission behind his new long-form podcast with Bro Diallo.

Seun Kuti delivered his trademark clarity and unfiltered honesty reminding listeners that for him, art and activism remain inseparable.

“We Are Africans Because Africa Is Born in Us”

Asked to define what it truly means to be African, Seun Kuti referenced the words of Kwame Nkrumah, the Former President of Ghana:

“We are not Africans because we are born in Africa. We are Africans because Africa is born inside of us.”

Seun Kuti emphasized that African identity goes deeper than skin colour or nationality. For him, being African is rooted in consciousness, history, and the values one chooses to embody.

“Anybody can be born in Africa or have black skin,” he said. “But it is the amount of Africa inside you that makes you African.”

Nigeria at 65: “We Are Far From Where We Need to Be”

The conversation soon shifted to Nigeria’s challengespolitically, socially, and economically. Seun Kuti made it clear that the nation’s struggles are not accidental:

“We’re a bit removed from where we need to go. We need to organize ourselves to remove power from those currently with it and replace them with people who will build the Africa we talk about.”

He added that questions about governance and Nigeria’s long-standing structural failures should be directed at those in political office, not just artists.

Social Media and the Decline of Intellectual Discourse

In today’s digital age, serious political conversations are often overshadowed by trends, hashtags, and viral noise. For Seun Kuti, this reinforces why long form, intentional platforms like his podcast Bird’s Eye View are necessary.

He clarified that the goal wasn’t to “reclaim”intellectual space, but to create and elevate it:

“There are intellectual African podcasts out there. They’re just not in the mainstream conversation because most platforms capturing the attention of Africans don’t lead them to such messages.”

Why He Created the New Podcast with Bro Diallo

The partnership between Seun Kuti, Bro Diallo, and Okay Africa is no coincidence. According to SeunKuti, the podcast serves one core mission:

“To raise the consciousness of the people.”

He believes African liberation is impossible without a shift in consciousness and that grounded, scientific, radical analysis is missing from many Pan-African spaces today.

The podcast aims to fill that gap.

“There’s too much emotional rhetoric, financial hustle rhetoric, or ‘give me your money, I’ll show you liberation.’ We want grounded radical analysis no clownish ideas.”

He also revealed that Bro Diallo is his political mentor, making their collaboration natural and necessary.

Music vs. Podcasting: Which Is More Powerful?

Seun’s music has always been a weapon of resistance, but does podcasting offer a stronger platform?

He believes both serve unique purposes:

“Every medium has its own power. Through art, there is meaning. Through analysis, there is information. I’m trying to do the same thing with both lead people toward liberation.”

In essence, music inspires, and podcasting informs.

What’s Next for Seun Kuti?

With the release of the critically praised EP “Big Bird and the Viper”, fans are eager to know what’s coming next.

Seun kept it simple: “Expect more great music and analysis on my podcast as long as the ancestors allow us.”

This interview reinforces what we already know: Seun Kuti is one of the most uncompromising voices in modern African thought.

Whether through music or podcasting, Seun Kuti continues to push for a more informed, conscious, and liberated African society one conversation at a time.

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TikTok has released its official list of the Global Top 20 Songs of 2025, and it’s a brilliant mix of blasts from the past, global sounds, and brand new bangers. This list isn’t just about music; it’s a combination of the trends, memes, and moments that defined the year.
This year’s chart proves that music truly knows no borders! A massive shout out goes to Nigerian Afrobeats star Chella, whose hit “My Darling” earned a well deserved spot at #19, proving the global power and energy of African music on the platform.

Here is the definitive, easy to read list of the biggest viral hits that powered TikTok in 2025.

Top 10 Global TikTok Songs: The Year’s Biggest Viral Hits

These ten tracks were used in millions of videos, setting the tone for the entire platform. From dance challenges to viral videos, these songs were everywhere!

1. “Pretty Little Baby” – Connie Francis

Pure, innocent joy. This 1962 classic was the most used song globally, proving TikTok has a soft spot for wholesome throwbacks.

2. “Hold My Hand” – Jess Glynne

Main character energy. An uplifting anthem for positive outlooks, travel goals, and feel-good moments.

3. “Rock That Body” – Black Eyed Peas

This 2010 party starter was the soundtrack for intense dance moves and workout edits in 2025.

4. “Azul” – J Balvin

Smooth and stylish. The Colombian superstar’s reggaeton hit kept its cool, dominating edits and fashion transitions.

5. “Dame Un Grrr” – Fantomel x Kate Linn

Eccentric energy. This Euro-dance track was a massive hit for quirky, fast-paced comedy skits and transformation videos.

6. “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

Global pop excellence. A highly anticipated collaboration that immediately became the go to for fan edits and dance covers.

7. “Te Quería Ver” – Alemán & Neton Vega

Unexpected fusion. This viral Mexican rap and Regional Mexican blend proves how quickly unique sounds can catch fire.

8. “Stecu Stecu” – Faris Adam

Infectious dance beat. This high energy track became a staple for global dance challenges and catchy, upbeat content.

9. “Anxiety” – Doechii

Real and raw emotion. This song was used for honest, personal storytelling and videos addressing mental health followed by Will Smith old dance video clip aiding the trend.

10. “Sailor Song” – Gigi Perez

Dreamy and aesthetic. The perfect sound for soft visuals, scenic montages, and introspective content.

The Next 10: Completing the Global TikTok Top 20

The back half of the list is just as important, highlighting the incredible diversity of music TikTok pushes into the mainstream.

11. “Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)” – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea

12. “Ocean eyes” – Billie Eilish

13. “No One Noticed” – The Marías

14. “back to friends” – sombr

15. “Sparks” – Coldplay

16. “That’s So True” – Gracie Abrams

17. “Let Down” – Radiohead

18. “Suave” – El Alfa

19. “My Darling” – Chella

20. “We Hug Now” – Sydney Rose

Did your favorite viral sound make the ranking? Let us know which one you think deserved the top spot!

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