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  • It was a sunny Saturday on November 11, 2023. The premises of La Madison Place, Lagos, was buzzing with meat and party lovers who came together to experience the first ever Burning Ram by Zikoko.

    In case you missed it, or you knew about it and thought it was all hype — people hyped it because they trust Zikoko to deliver — everyone had fun. We didn’t want to go home. Just ask DJ Kiss, who played for us.

    These are the things you missed and how to fix up in 2024.

    Games

    People got into ludo, chess, jenga, table football, mini basketball and more.

    Meat

    The vendor stands had people enjoy suya and barbeque of all kinds, asun meat pie (and burger), nkwobi, small chops and a whole range of cocktails. The atmosphere was all delicious meat aroma and smoke.

    Movie time

    While people took pictures and made videos, patronised vendors and ate good food, others sat in a chilled tent and watched Avatar: The Way of Water, courtesy of FilmHouse Cinema and FilmOne Nigeria.

    Networking

    We made friends, exchanged compliments, contacts and IG handles, and could finally put faces to some of our online friends and internet neighbours. We met popular jingos like Joey Akan, Fu’ad Lawal, Emeneks, Dammy B, Hauwa L, Dwin the Stoic, Renike, Chigozie and many more.

    Ramsey the Ram

    It was a golden moment when Adeyinka paraded Ramsey, Burning Ram’s prized ram, as Blossom and Dammy (AKA the Dorime Sisters) followed, raising Jack Daniel’s bottles in the air.

    The raffle draw

    It wasn’t a play-play thing when we announced that one lucky guest will win a live ram. The big grill drum of raffle tickets was spun, and Chioma Katherine won our Ramsey. Imagine the joy of coming to Burning Ram and returning home with a ram. It’s equivalent to J Hus’ “came in a black Benz, left in a white one” lyrics.

    Fire breathers

    You might’ve seen fire dancers many times or even been one yourself, but have you seen fire dancers perform while tossing and spinning actual fire? These guys at Burning Ram danced all the legwork known and unknown while spitting flames out of their mouths. It was like Daenerys was in one corner whispering, “dracarys”.

    Eating competition

    When it was time to see who really brought an appetite to Burning Ram, fine guys and babes nominated themselves. With bowls of jollof rice and plenty meat before them, and a large, vocal audience around, they sat and devoured their plates. Others ate hot chicken wings while singing the Nigerian national anthem. Winners emerged and received stuffed bags of Burning Ram souvenirs.

    A rave

    DJ Kiss’ set buzzed loudly and N.A.T.E (Nathan Good luck) hyped us into party mode with a mix of afrobeats hits, classics like Konko Below and American pop that took us back to our younger years. We moved our bodies, jumped, screamed out lyrics and had maximum fun. 

    How to not miss a Zikoko event

    Be our friend

    Zikoko is alive on all social media platforms. Follow us and click the notification buttons to get all the updates. Subscribe to our newsletter, join our WhatsApp community, just be our best friends, and you’ll be first to know about our events as they roll out. 

    Get your tickets ASAP

    Secure your ticket before people rush it. You know how the saying goes; you snooze, you lose.

    Image Source: Prince Mazani

    Leave home on time

    You’ve followed us, gotten the gist about our next event and your tickets as soon as they drop, don’t wait till it’s ten minutes to party time before you leave the house on the day of the event. Well, except you like attending parties when they’re over or you’ve missed the major activities.

    Burning Ram is over, but this meaty playlist can still keep you going this week:

  • The nomination list of the upcoming 2024 Grammy Awards dropped on November 10th, 2023, with a new category for African music called “Best African Music Performance.”

    Nigerian artists, Davido, Ayra Starr, Olamide, Asake, Bloody Civilian and Blessing Offor, all got their first Grammy nominations, joining the growing list of nominees that includes Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Tems.

    We bring you the list of categories and nominees you should care about.

    Record of the Year

    Worship – Jon Batiste

    Not Strong Enough – boygenius

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    What Was I Made For? (From Motion Picture Barbie) – Billie Eilish

    On My Mama – Victoria Monét

    Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

    Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

    Kill Bill – SZA

    Album of the Year

    World Music Radio – Jon Batiste

    the record – boygenius

    Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus

    Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey

    The Age of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe

    GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo

    Midnights – Taylor Swift

    SOS – SZA

    Song of the Year

    A&W – Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey and Sam Drew

    Anti-Hero – Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift

    Butterfly – Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson

    Dance the Night (From Barbie The Album) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein and Michael Pollack

    Kill Bill – Rob Bisel, Carter Lang and Solána Rowe

    Vampire – Daniel Nigro, Olivia Rodrigo

    What Was I Made For? (From Motion Picture Barbie) – Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell

    Best New Artist

    Gracie Abrams

    Fred again..

    Jelly Roll

    Coco Jones

    Noah Kanan

    Victoria Monét

    The War and Treaty

    Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)

    Jack Antonoff

    Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II

    Hit-Boy

    Metro Boomin

    Daniel Nigro

    Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical)

    Edgar Barrera

    Jessie Jo Dilion

    Shane McAnally

    Theron Thomas

    Justin Tranter

    Best Pop Solo Performance

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    Paint The Town Red – Doja Cat

    What Was I Made For? (From The Motion Picture Barbie)

    Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

    Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    Thousand Miles – Miley Cyrus

    Candy Necklace – Lana Del Rey feat. Job Batiste

    Never Felt So Alone – Labrinth feat. Billie Eilish

    Karma – Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice

    Ghost In The Machine – SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers

    Best Pop Vocal Album

    Chemistry – Kelly Clarkson

    Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus

    GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo

    – (Subtract) – Ed Sheeran

    Midnights – Taylor Swift

    Best Dance/Electronic Recording

    Blackbox Life Recorder 21F – Aphex Twin

    Loading – James Blake

    Higher Than Ever Before – Disclosure

    Strong – Romy and Fred again..

    Rumble – Skrillex, Fred again.. and Flowdan

    Best Pop Dance Recording

    Baby Don’t Hurt Me – David Guetta, Anne-Marie and Coi Leray

    Miracle – Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding

    Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue

    One In A Million – Bebe Rexha and David Guetta

    Rush – Troye Sivan

    Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

    Playing Robots Into Heaven – James Blake

    For That Beautiful Feeling – The Chemical Brothers

    Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022) – Fred again..

    Kx5 – Kx5

    Quest For Fire – Skrillex

    Best Alternative Music Performance

    Belinda Says – Alvvays

    Body Paint – Arctic Monkeys

    Cool About It – boygenius

    A&W – Lana Del Rey

    This Is Why – Paramore

    Best Alternative Music Album

    The Car –Arctic Monkeys

    The Record – boygenius

    Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey

    Cracker Island – Gorillaz

    I Inside The Old Year Dying – PJ Harvey

    Best R&B Performance

    Summer Too Hot – Chris Brown

    Back To Love – Robert Glasper feat. SiR and Alex Isley

    ICU – Coco Jones

    How Does It Make You Feel – Victoria Monét

    Kill Bill – SZA

    Best Traditional R&B Performance

    Simple – Babyface feat. Coco Jones

    Lucky – Kenyon Dixon

    Hollywood – Victoria Monét feat. Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét

    Good Morning – PJ Morton feat. Susan Carol

    Love Language – SZA

    Best R&B Song

    Angel – Halle Bailey, Theron Feemster and Coleridge Tillman

    Back To Love – Darryl Andrew Farris, Robert Glasper and Alexandra Isley

    ICU – Darhyl Camper Jr., Courtney Jones, Raymond Komba and Roy Keisha Rockette

    On My Mama – Dernst Emile II, Jeff Gitelman, Victoria Monét, Kyla Moscovich, Jamil Pierre and Charles Williams

    Snooze – Kenny B. Edmonds, Blair Ferguson, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Solána Rowe and Leon Thomas

    Best Progressive R&B Album

    Since I Have A Lover – 6LACK

    The Love Album Off The Grid – Diddy

    Nova – Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy

    The Age Of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe

    SOS – SZA

    Best R&B Album

    Girls Night Out – Babyface

    What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe) – Coco Jones

    Special Occasion – Emily King

    JAGUAR II – Victoria Monét

    CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP – Summer Walker

    Best Rap Performance

    The Hillbillies – Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar

    Love Letter – Black Thought

    Rich Flex – Drake & 21 Savage

    SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS – Killer Mike feat. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane

    Players – Coi Leray

    Best Melodic Rap Performance

    Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage

    Attention – Doja Cat

    Spin Bout U – Drake & 21 Savage

    All My Life – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole

    Low – SZA

    Best Rap Song

    Attention – Rogét Chahayed and Amala 

    Barbie World (From Barbie The Album – Isis Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. & Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Featuring Aqua)

    Just Wanna Rock – Mohamad Camara, Symere Woods & Javier Mercado, songwriters (Lil Uzi Vert)

    Rich Flex – Brytavious Chambers, Isaac “Zac” De Boni, Aubrey Graham, J. Gwin, Anderson Hernandez, Michael “Finatik” Mule & Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, songwriters (Drake & 21 Savage)

    SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS – Andre Benjamin, Paul Beauregard, James Blake, Michael Render, Tim Moore & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Killer Mike Featuring André 3000, Future And Eryn Allen Kane)

    Best Rap Album

    Her Loss – Drake & 21 Savage

    MICHAEL – Killer Mike

    HEROES & VILLIANS – Metro Boomin

    King’s Disease III – Nas

    UTOPIA – Travis Scott

    Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

    A-You’re Not Wrong B-They’re Not Either: The Fukc-It Pill Revisited – Queen Sheba

    For Your Consideration’24 -The Album – Prentice Powell and Shawn William

    Grocery Shopping With My Mother – Kevin Powell

    The Light Inside – J. Ivy

    When The Poems Do What They Do – Aja Monet

    Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music

    God Is Good – Stanley Brown Featuring Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard; Stanley Brown, Karen V Clark Sheard, Kaylah Jiavanni Harvey, Rodney Jerkins, Elyse Victoria Johnson, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Valencia Sheard & Hezekiah Walker, songwriters

    Feel Alright (Blessed) – Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, William Weatherspoon, Juan Winans & Marvin L. Winans, songwriters

    Lord Do It For Me (Live) – Zacardi Cortez; Marcus Calyen, Zacardi Cortez & Kerry Douglas, songwriters

    God Is – Melvin Crispell III

    All Things – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

    Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

    Believe – Blessing Offor; Hank Bentley & Blessing Offor, songwriters

    Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live] – Cody Carnes

    Thank God I Do – Lauren Daigle; Lauren Daigle & Jason Ingram, songwriters

    Love Me Like I Am – for KING & COUNTRY feat. Jordin Sparks

    Your Power – Lecrae & Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    God Problems – Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine; Daniel Bashta, Chris Davenport, Ryan Ellis & Naomi Raine, songwriters

    Best Gospel Album

    I Love You – Erica Campbell

    Hymns (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    The Maverick Way – Maverick City Music

    My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds

    All Things New: Live In Orlando – Tye Tribbett

    Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

    My Tribe – Blessing Offor

    Emanuel – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

    Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle

    Church Clothes 4 – Lecrae

    I Believe – Phil Wickham

    Best Roots Gospel Album

    Tribute To The King – The Blackwood Brothers Quartet

    Echoes Of The South – Blind Boys Of Alabama

    Songs That Pulled Me Through The Tough Times – Becky Isaacs Bowman

    Meet Me At The Cross – Brian Free & Assurance

    Shine: The Darker The Night The Brighter The Light – Gaither Vocal Band

    Best Global Music Performance

    Shadow Forces – Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily

    Alone – Burna Boy

    FEEL – Davido

    Milagro Y Disastre -Silvana Estrada

    Abundance In Millets – Falu & Gaurav Shah (Featuring PM Narendra Modi)

    Pashto – Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia

    Todo Colores – Ibrahim Maalouf Featuring Cimafunk & Tank And The Bangas

    Best African Music Performance

    Amapiano – Asake & Olamide

    City Boys – Burna Boy

    UNAVAILABLE — Davido feat. Musa Keys

    Rush – Ayra Starr

    Water – Tyla

    Best Global Music Album

    Epifanías – Susana Baca

    History – Bokanté

    I Told Them… – Burna Boy

    Timeless – Davido

    This Moment – Shakti

    Best Reggae Album

    Born For Greatness – Buju Banton

    Simma – Beenie Man

    Cali Roots Riddim 2023 – Collie Buddz

    No Destroyer – Burning Spear

    Colors Of Royal – Julian Marley & Antaeus

    Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

    AURORA – (Daisy Jones & The Six)

    Barbie The Album – (Various Artists)

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By – (Various Artists)

    Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix, Vol. 3 – (Various Artists)

    Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – Weird Al Yankovic

    Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

    Barbie – Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt (composers)

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Ludwig Göransson (composer)

    The Fabelmans – John Williams, (composer)

    Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
    – John Williams (composer)

    Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson, (composer)

    Best Song Written For Visual Media

    Barbie World (From Barbie The Album) – Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. and Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice feat. Aqua)

    Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)

    I’m Just Ken (From Barbie The Album) – Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Ryan Gosling)

    Lift Me Up [From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By) – Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Robyn Fenty and Temilade Openiyi, songwriters (Rihanna)

    What Was I Made For? (From Barbie The Album) – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

    Best Music Video

    I’m Only Sleeping – The Beatles 

    (Em Cooper, video director; Jonathan Clyde, Sophie Hilton, Sue Loughlin & Laura Thomas, video producers)

    In Your Love – Tyler Childers
    (Bryan Schlam, video director; Kacie Barton, Silas House, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton & Whitney Wolanin, video producers)

    What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
    (Billie Eilish, video director; Michelle An, Chelsea Dodson & David Moore, video producers)

    Count Me Out – Kendrick Lamar
    (Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jason Baum & Jamie Rabineau, video producers)

    Rush – Troye Sivan
    (Gordon Von Steiner, video director; Kelly McGee, video producer)

    Find the full list here.

  • As all roads lead to Burning Ram, the biggest meat cookout and grill festival in Lagos, on Saturday, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to curate the perfect vibe to pre-game to.

    Jam to these ten songs while planning for or heading to Burning Ram 2023. But get your ticket here first.

    Goat Chop Lion – PayBac iBoro

    The song and album, West African Goat, both suggest where rapper, PayBac iBoro’s head is at as he overcomes stronger forces to become the best rapper this side of Africa. On the 2023 track, he maintains competition but gives props to his colleagues, OdumoduBlvck, Reeplay and the rest of the Anti-World Gangsta crew in Abuja.

    Beef – M.I Abaga

    M.I Abaga released MI2: The Movie at the peak of his beef with Kelly Handsome in 2010, with its sixth track, Beef, taking direct shots at Kelly, “Kelechukwu, clap for yourself, well-done.” M.I poked him further, “Kpomo, you no chop. Fish, you no chop. Goat, you chop. You say you want beef.” Kelly replied with Finish You Boy in January 2011, but the world had moved on by then.

    BBQ & Shayo – The Lost & Found

    BBQ & Shayo is the funky lead single off of Face Off, a 2016 album by rappers Boogey and PayBac iBoro, and music producer, Charlie Xtreme (FKA Charlie X), under their collective, The Lost & Found. Singer, Rexx, performed the chorus in Igbo and English, celebrating in anticipation of a good time. 

    And exactly like he sang, tomorrow at Burning Ram, “The party go make sense o. You can bring your girlfriend o, for some barbecue and shayo.”

    Kako Bi Chicken – Reminisce

    The intro on this song is a hall of famer. Reminisce said, “I have moved to greatness,” and indeed Kako Bi Chicken became his breakout song in 2012. Produced by Sarz, this jam keeps the party pumping.

    Chicken Curry – Mr Eazi

    When Mr Eazi was still making Banku music and finding his way from Lagos to London, Chicken Curry featuring U.K artist, Sneakbo, appeared on his 2018 album. On it, Eazi sang that his “thing” tastes like chicken curry. Weird but the song is a jam.

    Chicken, Spice & Curry – Joeboy

    Joeboy featured Ludacris on this 2023 song on his latest album, Body & Soul. Just like Eazi’s Chicken Curry, Joeboy’s Chicken, Spice & Curry is about love and relationships. And you can drop a waist-whine to every rhyme as they roll out.

    Turkey Nla – Wande Coal

    The title refers to a thick lady, and this fast-paced afro-pop jam produced by Dapiano was the ultimate party starter when it came out in 2017. Six years later, Turkey Nla still raises the roof.

    Turkey Nla (Remix) – King Perry

    First off, this is not a remix of Wande Coal’s song mentioned above. This Turkey Nla (Remix) is a song on King Perry’s Continental Playlist EP of February 2023. But it does stress the same message WC had on his version.

    G.O.A.T – Seyi Vibez

    Seyi Vibez released G.O.A.T off his Memory Card EP early in 2023. The song samples old Apala artist, Fatai Olowonyo’s Elewue Wole Medley — a diss track aimed at Ayinla Omowura. But Seyi Vibez flipped it and made his own song about seeking divine guidance and having satisfaction in life.

    The Goat – Monaky

    Monaky released The Goat in 2023, a braggadocious single about his vices and lifestyle. At the time it dropped, many people still compared him to Burna Boy due to their similar vocal texture and music styles. Monaky might’ve been influenced by Burna, but he’s a unique act in his own lane.

    Cue up this playlist as you prep to meet Ramsey at Burning Ram tomorrow.

  • Many end-of-year music festivals and concerts will likely not happen this year because the promoters can no longer afford to book our afrobeats artists.

    But that isn’t reason enough to give up on your December enjoyment. If you really want to be in party mode throughout your holidays, you can still have maximum fun these ways.

    DJ and hypemen parties

    Since artists are now too expensive to book, it’s the turn of the DJs and hype-men to take centre stage. No lip-syncing or waiting for an artist to come three hours after the show starts.

    Indie shows

    If an artist you like, whether they’re C or Z-list, has a show, go and enjoy watching them live. There are many independent musicians and upcoming acts throwing shows this December. You get to support them, and they get to make enough money to put back into their music to make more music you lowkey love.

    Spend time in clubs

    You already know you’ll enjoy loud music, alcohol and dance. You already know your favourite club gives you joy every other weekend. But it’ll be pro-max in December. You’ll get to party with invited celebrities and all the big ballers in your city for longer than the usual party hours because it’s the holidays.

    Or go to the beach

    Lagos beaches move like clubs, with their own celebrity DJs. 

    Throw your own parties

    Gather your family, friends and loved ones and load up your favourite jams. Make it old-school, and everyone will be high on nostalgia, singing along till fuel finishes inside the generator (if you like, trust NEPA).

    Street carnivals

    If your street or estate has no plan to organise one, call a general meeting and give them the plan. Everyone will come together, have a good time and get to know that neighbour no one sees. You guys can even make estate merch to strengthen communal relationships.

    Do “Home Alone”

    If you want to be by yourself, that’s cool too. Eat some home-cooked food, drink up and turn up the music. Somebody say, “Macaulay Caulkin, we wanna party.”

    There’ll be music at our meat and grill festival in Lagos this Saturday. Get your ticket and enjoy the biggest meat cookout in Nigeria.

  • You may have heard that only musicians who tour eat good. There’s some truth to it, but it’s more feasible for big artists with solid fan-bases and enough hit songs to pull shows and crowds.

    If you’re not there yet, you can diversify your strategy and use your brand to make money online.

    Live streams

    Live streaming has become popular since the COVID pandemic, making musicians become creative by setting up virtual shows, selling tickets and performing online for their fans. Something similar happened at Rolling Loud this year;people who couldn’t be at the festival but wanted to be a part of it paid for Prime Video membership to watch the performances. 

    Employing this tactic as an artist might help to reach fans outside your location. Even if you’re shy to charge fans and streamers, a virtual tip jar is an option. Anyone God touches their heart will drop something for you.

    Streaming site revenue

    Get a music distributor to distribute your songs to multiple streaming services and you can turn your streams into money (Nothing for you if you use streaming farms).

    Also, scrap free download sites off your plans today.

    Digital downloads

    If you don’t use digital download sites like Bandcamp and Amazon Music, you can set up your website, upload your digital albums or singles and sell directly to your fans. No label, no middleman, no distro, just you.

    Make A Meme

    Merch sale

    Merch can be anything from physical (CDs, vinyls, t-shirts, hats, hoodies, stickers, et.) to digital NFTs, sheet music, stem files, etc.). You can package and put up items like for sale on a website.

    Fan subscriptions

    With a subscription option on your website, fans can subscribe and pay a monthly fee to access exclusive content like behind the scenes or rare footage, early access to new music, merch discount offers, etc. Charge a reasonable fee sha.

    YouTube channel

    If your music is used in a YouTube video that has an ad, YouTube ensures part of that ad money touches your hand because you’re the song’s rightful holder. You can also make money from the videos on your YouTube channel, but it depends on your subscribers and view numbers. The more, the merrier.

    Social video monetisation

    When your music is used in a video content on social media services like Facebook, TikTok and IG, some of it can reach you too. You just have to make sure you’ve enabled that with your distro.

    Online music lessons

    Whether you’re selling educational music materials (e-books, videos, audiobooks, etc) online to people who want to learn, or teaching music lessons through Google Meet or already-made video lessons — there’s money to be made. Just share great knowledge and unique perspectives.

    Take a break from thinking about money alone. Come out to Burning Ram on Saturday where the biggest meat and grill party will happen. Tickets are still selling here.

  • People bant that funny Nigerian women can be counted on one hand, but these women don’t make some of the funniest content right now to not be credited for it.

    Jolaoluwa Ayeye

    It doesn’t matter what the content of her discussion is, the hilariousness in it will choke you more than Abuja yam. Even if you’re not a listener of the I Said What I Said podcast she co-hosts with Feyikemi Abudu, one or two rib-cracking tweets from her X handle, @Jollz, must have crossed your timeline. She’s been funny AF before Twitter turned X — see evidence.

    Taaooma

    Born Maryam Apaokagi, Taaooma is currently one of the most popular faces in the Nigerian funny content creation sector — shoutout to her purple lace gown and peach “gele”. Her comedy explores family, parenting and adulthood. Her character is a Gen Z babe from a typical, strict Nigerian house, relating with her fictional family members, Tayo, Mama Tao and Daddy Tao, all played by Maryam. She’s built a large fanbase of almost one million YouTube subscribers off her funny content and collaborations.

    Hauwa L

    Hauwa Lawal, a.k.a. Hauwa L, is a digital content creator, but most prefer to call her a “goat”. She does funny storytelling that leaves you wondering what her thought process is like. Hauwa pieces the most absurd stories together and delivers them innocently.

    Omo Oba

    Aderonke Adepoju has funny videos that date back to 2021. Her “Mummy Wale” and “Wale” characters are some of the funniest funny characters online right now. It centres on Wale, who introduces different potential wives to his mother, Mummy Wale. None of the relationships have worked out so far. I wonder what type of babe we’ll see next week. She also does some pretty hilarious Mummy G.O impressions.

    Chinasa Anukum

    You may know Chinasa for her popular YouTube show, Is This Seat Taken, which shows a bit of her funny side. But she actually does stand-up comedy as well. One of her classics is, “Adulthood is like auditioning for The Wedding Party, then finding yourself on the set of King of Boys.”

    Lara Billionaire

    A part of @larabillionaire’s X bio reads that she’s an upcoming mysterious babe — may be why her media is stacked with some of the most hilarious videos you’ll find on the internet. But also if you’ve seen her “terrible joke came to my head” tweets like her “parmesan cheese” one, you know her account is a straight follow. Even Layi Wasabi made a blockbuster internet comedy from one of Lara’s evergreen, funny threads.[ad][/ad]

    Swit Ope

    The first Swit Ope (born Ope Keshinro) video I saw was her recreation of Nigerian prophet FKA Indaboski’s sermon scene, in which she masterfully displayed his mannerisms. Her niche is religion and spirituality.

    Aunty Flora

    In a riot of colourful wigs, lipsticks, eyeliner and makeup, Gabrielle “Aunty Flora” Omozele satirises the day-to-day Nigerian experiences. Watch her back and forth with AI and decide yourself if she’s funny or not.

    Chidera Onoh

    Chidera is a medical student who’s into comedy, and she kills it. Her content revolves around school life and other life experiences. If you haven’t seen Africa’s Best Mosquito Killer, run to YouTube now.

    Dammy Bubbles

    You may know Damilola Bello, a.k.a Dammy Bubbles, by her X handle “@_dammyB_” — she’s a growth partner for Flutterwave popularly known amplify small businesses and her community that helps them achieve growth. But her second job is being a funny woman.

    She’s effortlessly hilarious.

    Here I am again, pushing Burning Ram to you like a street hawker. It’s happening in Lagos on Saturday. Will I see you or yes? Buy your tix here.

  • 15 Nigerian films were selected to be screened at the 2023 edition of Kurzfilmtage Winterthur, Switzerland’s biggest short film festival running from November 7th to 12th.

    Photo source: Michael Omonua

    Besida

    This Chuko Esiri-directed film first came out in 2018. It’s a short noir drama about the fragile relationship between two siblings. It was shot in Abraka (a town in Delta State) and produced by Arie Esiri.

    Ixora

    This is a 2022 queer love story about two female journalists, directed by Nigerian filmmakers, Nengi Nelson and Nosazemen Agbontaen, and produced by A ZENN Collective Production.

    Egúngún (Masquerade)

    This is a bilingual (English and Yoruba) film made by Olive Nwosu in 2021. It focuses on a young queer lady who returns to Nigeria for her mother’s funeral, where she discovers herself and purpose. Egúngún features Teniola Aladese, Elizabeth Momoh and Angel Peters.

    Hello, Rain

    The celebrity filmmaker of Nollywood’s Mami Wata, C.J. “Fiery” Obasi is back in the news for the International Kurzfilmtage selection of his 2018 short horror film, Hello, Rain. It’s about a scientist-witch who distributes power to herself and friends through tech and magic.

    Harmattan

    Muyiwa Awosika’s new psychological horror is about two army recruits who turn against each other in their bootcamp.

    A Quiet Monday

    Dika Ofoma’s new short film is a social drama that centres around two siblings who defied mandatory Monday sit-at-home during a social unrest in the eastern part of Nigeria. It stars Emmanuel Igwe and Uzoamaka Aniuonoh.

    Do You See Me

    Off the 2023 release of Bravo, Burkina!, Wale Oyejide wraps up production of his latest, Do You See Me, in time to screen at Kurzfilmtage Winterthur 2023.

    You Matter to Me

    This film captures how the parents of Immaculata Abba, the film director, experience joy even in the midst of grief or tension.

    Memory XX

    A romance that was once hot goes sour and memory is all that’s left as these two lovers rediscover themselves. It’s a 15-minute film by Ewoma Great Oro and Olamide Akinjare.

    A Study On Love

    Olayinka Eno Babalola explores love in this 2020 experimental documentary. You can watch it on her IG page.

    Àlááfíà Ni

    “Àlááfíà” means “peace” in Yorùbá, and this film about the life of Lagosians, explores the internal serenity that prevails regardless of trials and tribulations. Tobi Onabolu wrote this film and co-directed it with Sonia Irabor.

    Aje and Bruja

    Two powerful African mothers join forces to fight and torture a female serial killer. Aje and Bruja came from the stables of Nosa Igbinedion in 2022.

    I Am An Easy One to Forget

    This 10-minute Sonia Irabor film came out in 2021. It’s a tale of a guy who shut himself away from contact with people, staying awake to overthink the parallel between reality and illusion.

    The Nightmare on Broadstreet

    Ayo Lawson and Femi Johnson made this film that follows five friends who met to hang out at a Freedom Park museum then ended up running from a masquerade.

    Lizard

    Akinola Davies Jr. released Lizard in 2020. In it, an eight year old kid with the supernatural ability to sense danger discovers the underworld of a Lagos megachurch.

    Rehearsal

    This film follows the art of staging miracle healings. The protagonists carry out, improve and scrap different formats. Rehearsal is about church, theatre, faith and credibility.

    ICYMI, Burning Ram is happening live in Lagos this Saturday. Are you coming? Yes or yes? Get your ticket here.

  • After making fans wait eight years for his fifth studio album, releasing and changing his tracklist three times, Reminisce finally released it to the public on October 27, 2023.

    Many Nigerian OGs are tiring out, and their new albums barely give the value of their previous work. But not Reminisce, who’s been in the game since 2003. He returns with Alaye Toh Se Gogo, his first body of work since El-Hadj in 2016, and it’s worth the wait. 

    On first listen, there’s no ascertaining what direction he’ll attack in, even though a general idea of his brand pops in one’s head — clever one-liners and lamba, charging quotables and daring subliminals at foes, sexcapade and high-libido anthems, with some romantic cuts, of course.

    He’s been in the limelight for eleven consecutive years since 2012, remaining highly rated and critically acclaimed through it all — “do am if e easy,” Reminisce dares naysayers on the opening of this new album.

    Alaye Toh Se Gogo is a street laurel that loosely translates to “certified boss” or simply “top boy,” but the type that Dushane in the grimy British TV show Top Boy would aspire to become. It’s a different beast when a veteran steps out, especially after hibernating for almost a decade.

    The first track, Eyes, is a look-back at the uneasy come-ups he achieved against odds. He shares how if music hadn’t paid off for him, an unclean route would’ve likely made a way. This is a story that finds resonance with many individuals around the world.

    Mayorkun’s support in chorus duty makes it the perfect album opener — a good combo of rap and singing — as Reminisce fires two shells of boastful yet introspective verses. He had to remind listeners and the competition that he gets sharper with age. He already proved he’s among the meanest rappers in the country.

    Awon Aye follows. In Reminisce’s singing bag, another ammo spawned, shot at animosity and jealousy. He cleverly interpolates Pasuma’s Ligali into the hook, giving a local tongue-lashing vibe to it. This song is potent enough to give supposed detractors a wobbly walk when they pass by.

    Since Omo X 100 dropped in 2021, Olamide only sings the chorus on their music collaborations, the heavy rap-lifting left to Reminisce. However, on their latest, Orin, the third track on ATSG Vol. 1, they relayed their silent battles and unexpressed emotions, which they compensate with a rewarding bank account and baller lifestyle. They talk about how hard it is for men to bottle up their feelings and keep rising to the occasion. Though soul-lifting, this track is a classic case of men drowning in hustle as a suppressant or escape from vulnerability and life’s drama.

    If you’re familiar with Reminisce’s catalogue, all the man wants is his money and more money. This is the theme of Hustle featuring Bnxn and D Smoke. Alaga recounts his struggles to succeed and the vim to push his hustle and never stop.

    Well, what’s a Nigerian to do?

    The next track plays, and with it comes a realisation that Reminisce’s rap cuts are getting shorter with each song. In just a minute and approximately thirty seconds, Reminisce went full rapper mode on Recycle, just flexing his lyricism. It’s unsatisfying, but there’s more rap on the next track, E.N.K.R. The album version of the previously released song includes Ycee and artist-producer, Rhookcastle, who had the most outstanding performance on it.

    Reminisce gets on his “sex symbol” assignment with innuendos at the core of his music on this album. On Shina Peters with Mohbad, he paints a picture of his sexual affairs — straight to the “ta-ta-ta” playlist.

    Although Rotate brings out your waistline and legwork, it ends before four steps are made. Another display of Reminisce’s versatility, he effortlessly sings fuji with a new-age delivery that maintains its tempo and modulation, making street-pop his domain. Olu Maintain, the next track, showed him in his fresh pocket; a drill jam alongside youngins Dremo Drizzy, OdumoduBlvck and Powpezzy.

    Oxlade’s falsetto cued in Why?, a romantic song in which Reminisce remained uncouth. The longing expressed on the song segued into Mora, a folklore performance — one of the best songs on the album — quite similar to his 2017 hit, Ponmile.

    Although a filler Reminisce insisted on keeping on the album despite his team’s stance, Tight featuring Kayode, is a chilled braggadocious song about making money and having fun. It also speaks to Reminisce’s dedication to propelling young talents to a wider audience. Kayode, Powpeezy and even OdumoduBlvck, who recorded his verse for Reminisce before his breakout song, Declan Rice, dropped earlier in the year. On the Zero Conditions podcast, Reminisce mentioned how he’d rather do this than tweet about his support for the “young cats”.

    The album ended with an acoustic rendition of Mora, the perfect street song to express love that doesn’t want to end.

    Alaye Toh Se Gogo is a solid body of work away from his previous works and successful formula. It offers cohesive production and stellar performance at the age of 42. Age is just a figure in hip-hop. Legends in their 40s and 50s, like Show Dem Camp, M.I Abaga, Nas, Wu-Tang, still make music, cancelling the old “too old to rap” narrative. Fact is, if you got it, you got it.

    Reminisce got it. 

    Alaye Toh Se Gogo is the new honour the street has bestowed on him. This title encapsulates his evolution as an artist, solidifying his superstardom and street legend.

    It’s three days to our meat festival in Lagos. Get your Burning Ram ticket ASAP.

  • There’s a way sayings from the streets hit you when you hear them. It might be because of their humour. Or maybe it’s because they’re often relatable. However you look at it, they work.

    If you’re looking for Nigerian street quotes that will keep you on your grind, these are for you.

    I get am before no be property

    This quote speaks to living in past glory. You need to keep hustling to stay balling.

    Person wey dey find money no dey off data

    It’s the internet age now, baby. 9-5’er or entrepreneur, you need an internet connection to do your job or promote business.

    Na determination okada dey take overtake trailer

    You’ll go past your biggest obstacles if you just go for them.

    School bell wey sound like noise for assembly go sound like music for closing

    What’s rough now will be smooth later.

    Your Indomie quick done no mean say who dey cook beans lazy

    Don’t underestimate anyone who isn’t balling right now. Your journeys aren’t the same.

    No be who pay school fees dey first graduate

    Another reminder that it’s not about who makes it faster, it’s who makes it later in life.

    Follow who know road but hold your T-fare

    Walk with problem solvers, but always have your own solutions with you.

    No struggle, no success

    We reject a hard life. But diamonds don’t shine without pressure.

    Anywhere belle face na front

    For those who believe that any way is a way, this is your mantra.

    Price of bread no dey fear breadwinner

    If you’re rich, nothing will be too expensive for you to get.

  • Since I grew up to the reality of being a Nigerian living in Nigeria, I’ve observed some fine distinctions that repeat themselves during fuel scarcity or price hikes. 

    It’s hard to not catch a Nigerian or two doing these things when either happens. 

    Spike in fuel gauge anxiety

    I’m talking about the people constantly checking their fuel gauge as if they can command it to read “full” just a bit longer.

    Limited movement

    Don’t let people “burn” fuel for an unnecessary rendezvous, I doubt their heart will say a prayer for you.

    Fuel queue shuffle

    The stressful attempt of finding a filling station with the shortest queue. But you end up at a spot where breakfast and dinner time pass before it reaches your turn to buy fuel.

    “I heard it was cheap yesterday”

    Nigerians arguing about fuel cost and the ever-changing prices like they’re at a stock exchange.

    Petrol station pit stop 

    People’s side assignment when they’re outside is to stop at a filling station to top up their tanks or fill one or two kegs and load them in the boot.

    The facepalm moments

    The moment you fill your car tank at a higher rate only for you hear that a filling station at the next junction is selling for cheap.

    Government shenanigans

    Fuel price hike is the government’s way of testing our patience. They use this to experiment the number of walls we can break as they they push us into more hardship.

    The only worthy cause to get your ride or lovely self on the road this period should be Burning Ram. How do you explain that you heard about the biggest meat and grill festival in Lagos and unlooked? Get your ticket here now. November 11th is date. See you.