AGP Executive Report

AI & Creativity Policy: CISAC’s “Paris Commitment” gathered creators and rights leaders in Paris to push governments and tech firms to protect human creativity, recognition and fair pay as AI accelerates. BRICS Culture: The second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting opened in Varanasi, focusing on the creative economy, cultural heritage and “ethical AI” with copyright protection on the agenda. South Africa Music Business: Nigerian Afrobeats artist Oscar Bankz signed with South Africa’s Astra Luvian Music Worldwide, with a first project due this summer aimed at Africa and Europe. SA Sound & Releases: Nasty C and Tellaman announced a long-awaited joint album, “T’s and C’s Apply,” marking a major hip-hop/R&B crossover moment. Global World Cup Music: FIFA’s official World Cup 2026 album adds South Africa’s Tyla via “Game Time” with Future, with fans able to pre-save ahead of release. Africa Day Spotlight: UBA marked Africa Day 2026 with group-wide celebrations across 20 countries, mixing culture, music and food.

Radio & Music Careers: DJ Fresh (Thato Sikwane) is set to take over Kaya 959’s breakfast show from 1 July 2026, stepping in after Sizwe Dhlomo’s exit. Songwriting & Inspiration: Nakhane explains that his “We Dance Again” vocal was inspired by Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin, with the connection later linking him to Black Coffee. Global Rights for Creators: CISAC appoints Grammy winner Youssou N’Dour as vice president, highlighting his long-running work backing African music infrastructure in Dakar. World Cup Soundtrack Buzz: Shakira says Burna Boy’s “Dia Dia” contribution was the “cherry on top,” as FIFA’s World Cup 2026 album lineup continues to build hype. New Releases (SA): SunOrnza drops gqom single “AmaRazo” featuring Goldmax, with a video planned for 18 June. Live Moment: Bafana players in Pachuca signed a lone fan’s jersey and album, turning a hotel wait into a full-on meet-and-greet.

Africa Day in the spotlight: Olam Agri marked 2026 Africa Day at its Lagos HQ with cultural music, dance, food and traditional attire, pushing a message of unity and deeper investment in Africa’s agri-growth. Protest music, global reach: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 teamed up with Tom Morello for the studio release of “Na Dem,” a sharp critique of corruption and inequality. New visuals from Nigeria: Tems dropped the black-and-white “What You Need” video, from her EP Love Is A Kingdom, continuing her Grammy-winning momentum. Awards season buzz: South African actress Nirvana Nokwe earned an Africa Choice Award nomination after her Red Ink fame and recent headlines. Culture meets sport: Nigeria’s LGAN is seeking the Culture Ministry’s partnership to co-host the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy in Abuja, with a cultural night featuring Nigerian arts, music, fashion and cuisine. World Cup rules hit fan gear: FIFA’s 2026 stadium code bans vuvuzelas and other loud noise devices, with strict penalties for violations.

World Cup x Afrobeats: FIFA confirmed Davido will perform at the Los Angeles leg of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert series on June 10, with Major Lazer also on the bill. Global Music Business: Canal+ becomes the first French media group to list on South Africa’s JSE after buying MultiChoice, signaling a big push for Africa’s creative market. Amapiano’s Global Breakout: A look at how South Africa’s Amapiano went from township sound to worldwide hit, powered by mobile-first digital platforms and creator communities. South Africa Spotlight: Zee Nxumalo lands a Times Square billboard and GQ cover buzz, while Black Coffee celebrates major European milestones with Arènes de Nîmes and London’s O2. Ghana Sports-Entertainment: Mr Eazi hosts 1v1 Africa in Accra as Myers Odonkor wins GHS100,000. Culture & Arts: Durban’s 031 Theatre Festival returns, and Zimbabwe poet Sonkomose reflects on performing praise poetry at national celebrations. Controversy Watch: Makhadzi apologises after backlash over comments tied to a Mossel Bay teen’s death. Tech & Music AI: A new study warns music AI models still flatten African traditions due to tiny representation in training data. Event Cancellations: WOMAD Glasgow’s planned debut is cancelled after low ticket sales.

Streaming & Film: DStv and GOtv roll out a “Movies Showcase” from June to August, stacking family-friendly blockbusters and classics across channels like TNT Africa, Movie Room, KIX and M-Net. Land Rights & Farming: South Africa moves to release Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy land with title deeds, aiming to unlock borrowing, investment and jobs for farmers. Economic Recovery: President Cyril Ramaphosa outlines an economic recovery push as global tensions threaten growth, citing improved credit outlook and investment pledges. Creative IP Boost: Nigeria makes history as WIPO opens its first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Abuja, spotlighting IP as a driver for innovation and jobs. Film for the Culture: Ghana’s documentary “Too Much Music” (about Kiki Gyan) is in line for the AFP Critics Prize at Locarno Open Doors. Music & Community: LGAN seeks Culture Ministry partnership for Nigeria’s 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy, with a cultural night featuring arts, music and cuisine. World Cup Soundtrack Buzz: IShowSpeed’s unofficial “World Cup (Champions)” video hits millions of views, while Tyla & Future’s “Game Time” keeps the anthem conversation loud. Controversy Watch: Makhadzi faces online backlash and boycott attempts over comments tied to xenophobia and language tensions.

Kojo Antwi x Meiway: Ghanaian highlife legend Kojo Antwi teams up with Ivorian Zoblazo pioneer Meiway for a big London show at Dominion Centre on Sept 5, 2026—an “unforgettable” night built for African music fans. Music industry & jobs: South Africa’s Budget Vote plans to invest R1 trillion over three years in roads, dams, schools, hospitals and clinics, with President Cyril Ramaphosa framing it as job creation and inclusive growth. Creative economy push: ITC and Equity Group sign an MoU to expand access to finance and trade support for coffee, leather and creative businesses across East Africa, starting with a Kenya pilot until Dec 2026. World Cup anthem buzz: IShowSpeed’s World Cup-themed track “Champions/World Cup (Champions)” is going viral online, with FIFA responding “We will be in touch” after he tagged the body. South Africa music spotlight: SAMAs return to North West on Aug 15, 2026 for the 32nd edition. Artist payment dispute: South African singer Rowlene says she’s taken a gig-payment fight to lawyers after months of chasing money. Cultural cities: Time Out ranks Cape Town, Marrakech and Cairo among the world’s best art-and-culture destinations for 2026.

World Cup Music Moment: Philadelphia is gearing up for a free FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, with Despacito hitmaker Luis Fonsi headlining opening night on June 11 after the Mexico vs South Africa match—plus watch parties, games, and food trucks. Africa Day in the Diaspora: Africa Day celebrations kept the continent’s sound and style moving, from Louisville’s second annual festival to Nanaimo’s Africa Day at Beban Social Centre, with performances, vendors, and cultural education. Afrobeats & Security: Nigerian stars Davido, Victony, and Timaya joined calls for action to rescue kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren, keeping music communities tied to real-world urgency. Spotify Spotlight: Zee Nxumalo hit back at billboard trolls after unveiling her Spotify EQUAL Africa billboard in New York, insisting “you can’t pay for accolades, you earn them.” Cultural Heritage Through Sound: South Africa’s Lira performed at the Rebirth of Ubuntu concert marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, blending tribute and resilience.

Africa Youth Day 2026 (Moscow): Young Africans and Russian partners met at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History to push “Unity of Nations and Sustainable Development,” with plans for a Russian-African Club “Ambassadors” programme and a Russia-Africa Expo 2027. Pan-African Banking & Africa Day: UBA marked Africa Day across 20 markets with cultural shows, fashion, music and food, framing itself as a “continental bridge” connecting markets and people. Music on the global radar: Dave and Tems’ “Raindance” landed on Spotify’s 2026 Songs of Summer predictions, while Patoranking released “Shake That” ft Ruger ahead of his Fire 2026 European run. South Africa spotlight: Teeks announced a South Africa tour (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg). Sports-meets-culture debate: South Africa’s World Cup influencer/artist delegation faced fresh questions over costs and priorities, as FIFA also tightened stadium entry rules. Community & culture: MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 wrapped in Eswatini, with Uncle Waffles and Moonchild Sanelly among standout acts.

Afro-soul Spotlight: South African singer Maleh reflects on a career built on staying grounded, not chasing “upward” industry pressure. Music & Film Rights: A Nigerian filmmaker says Nollywood can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore because artists’ publishing deals (often with foreign firms) raise licensing costs and strain collaboration. Stage & Heritage: Mpho J Molepo returns to direct Sarafina! at Soweto Theatre, reviving the anti-apartheid musical for a new generation. Amapiano Buzz: Kabza De Small faces online backlash after new photos spark “phuza face” fatigue speculation. Culture in Ghana: Ghana launches its 2026 National Heritage Photo Competition and Afro-Gastro Festival under the Black Star Experience. Tech for Music: Apple Music free-tier rumors grow after Android app code hints at premium-only limits, though nothing is confirmed. Global Music Moment: Charlie Puth’s MSG show features surprise guests Art Garfunkel, Jimmy Fallon and Busta Rhymes. Community & Youth Arts: Stage Craft’s Rising Stars Showcase spotlights school performers and confidence-building through music and theatre.

Xenophobia & Live Music: Zimbabwean artist Mwenje Mathole cancelled a South Africa concert after threats tied to rising xenophobic tensions. Afrobeats vs Nollywood Rights: Nigerian filmmaker Dami Twitch says Nollywood can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore as publishing deals with foreign companies raise licensing costs. New Releases & Cross-Atlantic Sound: Ghana’s Afriyie Wutah drops “Summer Jam” with reggae icon Maxi Priest, blending Afro-soul and island vibes. Spotify for Music Lovers: Spotify rolls out playlist folders plus better offline listening and queue tools on iOS/Android. Industry Loss: Tanzania’s ZAY B, famed for “Nipo Gado,” has died and is set for burial in Dar es Salaam. Youth & Orchestras: Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra marks Youth Day with concerts featuring film music and Miriam Makeba songs. Health & Youth Protection: World No Tobacco Day spotlights how nicotine firms target adolescents and push new addiction products. Soft Power in Nairobi: Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards in Kenya honoured cultural builders including Bolanle Austen-Peters and Faith Kipyegon. Culture & Grants: BAHGIA summit in Lagos targets youths and startups with development grants, mentorship and investor exposure.

World Cup Music & Culture: FIFA says the 2026 World Cup will open with three linked ceremonies—Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles—each reflecting local culture through music and football. Afrobeat/Highlife Live: Kojo Antwi and Meiway are set to light up London at the Dominion Centre on 5 Sept 2026. South Africa Music Awards: The Samas return to North West on 15 Aug 2026, with RiSA calling it a “homecoming” after the 2025 edition in Midrand. New Releases: Malawian Afropop star Onesimus drops “Son of Grace,” with “Someone to Love” featuring Liema Pantsi hitting No. 1 on South African iTunes. Debut Album Spotlight: Ghana’s Efya Otiwaa announces her debut “Rebirth” for 4 June. Industry News: South African house DJ Oscar Nyathi (Malumz on Decks) was shot dead, triggering tributes across the scene. Cultural Exchange: Zimbabwe’s Chinese Embassy hosted International Children’s Day with music, dance and arts.

World Cup Music: Future and Tyla drop “Game Time,” the FIFA World Cup 2026 official album track, with a horn-and-bass anthem and a video nodding to World Cup style. South Africa Radio: DJ Fresh returns to Kaya 959 breakfast from 1 July, taking over the 6am–9am slot as Faith Mangope’s Metro FM win adds fuel to a major SA radio reshuffle. Afro-Fusion Spotlight: Ghanaian-Dutch artist Flexclusive releases “Destiny,” produced by Brownie Dutch, blending Afropop grooves with European urban textures. Cross-Border Producer Story: South African producer BlaQ Major talks building links with Zimbabwean acts as his career keeps climbing after Gagasi FM Song of the Year. Youth & Culture: Zimbabwean heritage expert Allington Ndlovu leads Eswatini’s Bushfire Schools Festival showcase, putting music, dance and storytelling in young hands. Tour News: Nigerian star Asake announces his “In God We Trust” Europe/North America tour after M$NEY’s record-breaking run. Live Music Buzz: South Africa gets October dates for Brian McKnight, SWV and All-4-One—already sparking “deadbeat dad” chatter online.

Music Business & IP: IFC has hired Aninver to draft an IP Reform Playbook for Africa’s creative industries, with music, film, fashion and sport in focus—aiming to plug value leakage and help creators monetize their rights. New Releases: Ghanaian Afro-Spiritual breakout Efya Otiwaa announces her debut album Rebirth for June 4, promising healing and ancestral storytelling. Zimbabwe Spotlight: Winky D’s Chivanhu is sparking national debate on culture, identity and post-colonial influence. South Africa Industry Moves: The SAMAs return to North West on 15 August 2026, with preparations already underway. Radio & Culture: DJ Fresh is set to join Kaya 959 for a weekday breakfast show from 1 July. Controversy & Accountability: Durban hip-hop group Witness The Funk has permanently parted ways with founding member Moshine after a sexual assault allegation. Tech & Creativity: Musicians are debating AI’s music boom—especially ownership, originality and whether AI can replace human artistry.

New Album Drop: Ezra Collective announce their fourth studio album Here Because Of Hope, due 18 September, led by the single “Only Love” featuring Pa Salieu. South Africa R&B: Brian McKnight, SWV and All-4-One headline the “Ultimate R&B Experience Tour” with shows in Cape Town (28 Oct) and Pretoria (30–31 Oct). Afro-Soul Romance: Sbahle releases “Some More,” featuring Nhlanhla Mafu and Naima Kay, as part of her Iscoco Sami era. Wellness With Roots: Black women-led sound healing and yoga practices are gaining momentum, with Demima Nokusa Mseleku’s ambient EP Duality Pt 2 Peace spotlighted. Music & Culture Abroad: Cape Verdean legend Gil Semedo is celebrated for bridging diaspora and home through Caboswing. Stage News: Japan’s Gachiakuta stage adaptation cancels two performances after lead actor Hikaru Imamaki injures his leg; Ryota Kamiya steps in. Global Diplomacy: U.S.-French talks focus on Libya, Sudan and Western Sahara, with cooperation framed around UN roadmaps. Controversy in the Mix: Ghanaian artist Captan claims Shatta Wale helped free Burna Boy from police custody over alleged marijuana use. Loss: Nigerian singer Niniola mourns her late husband Michael Ndika, sharing fresh tributes.

R&B Live Circuit: Brian McKnight, SWV and All-4-One are set for South Africa’s “Ultimate R&B Experience Tour” in October, with shows in Cape Town (Oct 28) and Pretoria (Oct 30-31). Streaming Money: Spotify says South African artists earned over R500m in royalties in 2025 and is expanding with a new Johannesburg office in Rosebank. World Cup Anthem Buzz: Shakira and Burna Boy dropped the “Dai Dai” FIFA World Cup 2026 video, packed with football stars and featuring Uganda’s Ghetto Kids. African Talent Breakthrough: Nigerian-Italian artist Charles Onyeabor opened for Offset in Florence, a sign of growing mainstream reach for African diaspora acts. Africa Day on the Streets: Durban marked Africa Day with a colourful KZN parade and calls for African unity and renewal. Health Alert: Uganda banned mass gatherings to curb Ebola spread, including music concerts and festivals. Industry & Culture: Mozambique hosted the Chinese Bridge finals in Maputo, blending Chinese language with music, poetry and martial arts.

World Cup Music & Pop Culture: FIFA teased the official 2026 World Cup song featuring Tyla and Future ahead of Friday’s full release, aiming for a truly global sound as the tournament expands across Canada, Mexico and the US. Afrobeats Spotlight: Tyla’s double win at the 2026 American Music Awards kept her in the global spotlight, beating Burna Boy, Wizkid and Rema in major categories. African Creative Economy: Lagos State says it has empowered 1,000 creatives through Skill Up Lagos, backing artists, designers and cultural entrepreneurs as part of a wider push to position Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital. New Talent Platform: AFRIMA and the African Union Commission will host the Diamond Party and Prize Presentation on June 3 in Lagos, celebrating seven emerging artists discovered through AFRIMA’s talent initiative. Live Music on the Ground: Jacaranda FM turns 40 with its Feel Good Tour, bringing presenters and live radio energy to communities including Polokwane. Culture Through Performance: The Jerusalem Orchestra East & West’s “East-West” youth project in Tel Aviv showcased Jewish and Arab musicians blending Western orchestral music with Middle Eastern, North African and Andalusian traditions. Community Festivals: Louisville’s Africa Day Festival returns May 30 with drumming, dance, poetry, music and food at Fourth Street Live. Sports Meets Sound: Shakira’s “Dai Dai” World Cup anthem video will feature Uganda’s Ghetto Kids at the final halftime show on July 19.