Davido Thrills Fans as Flytime Fest 2025 Lights Up Lagos

Flytime Fest 2025 drew thousands of music lovers to Lagos on Thursday night as Nigerian music superstar, Davido, delivered a breathtaking performance at the Eko Convention Centre. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the concert stretched into the early hours of Friday, with fans filling the venue to witness electrifying live performances from some of Nigeria’s biggest music acts. The annual festival, which celebrates sound, culture and live entertainment, offered fans an immersive concert experience, with top artistes delivering high-energy performances that kept the audience fully engaged throughout the night. The highlight of the event came when Davido stormed the stage to thunderous applause, thrilling fans with a string of hit songs that had the crowd singing and dancing from midnight until dawn. The award-winning artiste showcased powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, delivering electrifying renditions from his extensive music catalogue and further heightening the excitement at the venue. The performance was amplified by surprise appearances from guest artistes, including Dremo and Peruzzi, who joined Davido on stage to the delight of the cheering crowd. While Dremo thrilled fans with energetic rap verses, Peruzzi delivered smooth melodies that drew loud sing-alongs. Several attendees who spoke with NAN expressed excitement at witnessing Davido’s live performance. Adewale Ogunleye described the concert as exceptional, saying Davido’s energy remained unmatched from start to finish. Funke Akinwale, who attended the festival with friends, described the experience as unforgettable, while Musa Abdullahi praised the joyful atmosphere and positive vibes at the event. Another attendee, Chiamaka Nwoye, commended the organisers for a well-executed festival, noting that Flytime Fest continues to improve yearly and unite people through music.

Nigeria launches 12-member Council for Creative Technology Features

A critical milestone will be attained today, as the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), announces the launch of the Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF). A statement made available to Nigerian Anchor in Abuja describes the launch as a groundbreaking national initiative designed to place Nigeria at the forefront of global innovation where culture meets code. In the statement pushed out by Dr. Dennis Olofu Head, Media National Council for Arts and Culture the launch enjoys full approval from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE). He states that the launch represents a bold step towards the realisation of a Nigeria creative economy projected to surpass $25 billion by 2025. Membership Dr. Olofu stated that membership of the council shall be pro bono and composed to reflect national service ethos and a shared commitment to a digitally empowered creative sector. It was further stated that in its first phase, the Council will establish foundational frameworks and deliverables, paving the way forward for the cci and the creator economy, Strategic partnerships will be developed with the British Council, University for the creative arts United kingdom, UNESCO, Google, Meta, AfDB, Giz, European Union, Netflix, and other key development and technology partners—mobilizing investment, technical expertise, and global exposure for Nigeria’s creative-tech future. The members of the council are: Charles Emembolu – TechQuest, Talent Development (Chairman), Misan Harriman – Director & Photographer, Dayo Elegbe – Sponge Group, Digital Marketing, Bizzle Oshikoya – The Plug, Music & Talent Management and Kemi Awodein – MD, Chapel Hill Denham. Others are, Osas Peter – Founder, BlackAt, Malik Afegbua – AI Storytelling & Creative Visual Futurism, Sandra Oyewole – IP Lawyer, Olajide Oyewole & Co., Judith Okonkwo – Imisi 3D, AR & New Technology Leader, Dr. Dahiru Sani – Founder, Kaduna Business School and Dr. Chinedu Odoala – Head, NCAC Secretariat Dr. Olofu asserts that Nigeria continues to shape global narratives across music, film, fashion, gaming, and digital content as the CCTF plays the role of “ a highlevel policy, strategy, and implementation platform for harnessing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Web3, and blockchain across over 49 creative industry sectors.’ Quoting Obi Asika, the Director General of NCAC Dr.Olofu wrote “This Council is about merging culture and code, storytelling and smart contracts, heritage and innovation.” The Director General was also quoted as saying, “We are not just reacting to global change we are leading it from Africa.” “The launch of the Council for Creative Technology Futures is a milestone,” Asika added. “We are building the foundation for Nigeria’s creative future where our stories, music, art, and innovation are protected, monetized, and celebrated globally.” Mandates of the CCTF The core mandate of the Council for Creative Economy Features comprises guiding  Nigeria’s creative industries into a digitally empowered future that drives job creation and economic growth, as well as equipping creators with global tools, platforms, and market access. Its mandate also entails enhancing Nigeria’s position as a cultural and technological powerhouse. It was also stated that the CCTF will deliver the National Creative-Tech Framework & Roadmap (2025–2030), aligning with the National AI Strategy, Executive Order 005, the Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030), and NCAC-led programs such as ICE Hubs and Discover Naija. The council will also take memorandum from stakeholders and collaborate closely with NCAC sister agencies in culture and tourism and memorandum from interested stakeholders’ angle. It will also advance global advocacy to elevate Nigeria’s creative sector on international platforms and look for the best-in-class solutions to drive economic growth.

Ayra Starr leads Spotify’s 2025 impact list

Spotify has announced Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known as Ayra Starr, as the leading artiste in its Global Impact List for 2025. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, shared the news in a statement on Tuesday. Okumu revealed Ayra Starr’s dominance on Spotify’s Global Impact List, leading 30 Nigerian songs and connecting with audiences worldwide. The top 10 list includes Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, and Rvssian’s “Santa”; Tems’s “Love MeJeJe”; Burna Boy, Coldplay, Elyanna, Little Simz, and TINI’s “WE PRAY”; and more. Other songs featured are Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song”; 21Savage, Burna Boy, and Metro Boomin’s “Justlike Me”; Tems and Tyla’s “No.1”; and others. Okumu highlighted Nigerian artistes breaking boundaries, saying Spotify is proud to amplify their global reach. She explained that Nigerian music’s influence has gone global, with Ayra Starr leading the charge in Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List. The list showcases 30 Nigerian songs with the strongest international connections this year, reflecting Nigeria’s growing global influence. Okumu called Ayra Starr a chart-topping force, reshaping the global music scene with her international success. Ayra’s hits top Nigerian charts, with her music becoming global anthems that resonate worldwide. “As a Spotify RADAR and EQUAL alumna, Ayra Starr was Nigeria’s most-streamed female artiste in 2024,” Okumu said. While only two of her tracks, “Last Heartbreak Song” and “Bad Vibes”, are on the Global Impact List, Ayra’s collaborations like “Santa” highlight her wide-reaching influence. The success of “Santa”, featuring Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, showcases Ayra’s ability to connect across diverse markets. Ayra Starr’s six entries on the list, including “Commas”, “GOOD FEELiNGS”, and “Hypé”, show her versatility and global appeal. Her album The Year I Turned 21 was one of the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year, cementing her global presence. Okumu emphasised the power of collaboration in amplifying Nigerian music’s global impact, noting 22 of the 30 songs are collaborations. She explained that collaborations are essential for Nigerian artistes aiming for international success, with 19 involving artistes from other countries. Songs like “Santa”, “WE PRAY (TINI Version)”, and “Another Vibe” demonstrate the power of such cross-continental partnerships.

Ayra Starr Reflects on the toll of fame at 22

Afrobeats female sensation, Ayra Starr has revealed the challenges she faces in her fast-paced career, expressing that despite being only 22, she often feels worn out and “old” compared to her peers. During a recent discussion in Nairobi, Kenya, she shared her desire for rest and a simpler lifestyle amid her busy schedule. The artist finds her drive within the creative process, stating that each song helps her to better understand her artistic journey and purpose. As she looks to the future, she remains focused on her craft, acknowledging that making music clarifies her goals. Recently, Ayra made headlines with her historic YouTube Live concert, which was broadcast globally from Nairobi. This milestone event celebrated the launch of her eagerly awaited second album, The Year I Turned 21, marking a significant achievement in her career.