African Weekend Roundup: Music, Sports, and Entertainment Highlights

Music: Afrobeats and Live Shows Ignite the Continent

The past weekend was a vibrant celebration of African music, with Afrobeats and hip-hop dominating airwaves and stages. In Malawi, Wizkid headlined the Echoes of Greatness festival at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on September 7, delivering electrifying performances of hits like Joro and Show You the Money. Joined by Congolese icon Awilo Longomba and local star Tay Grin, the sold-out event marked a historic moment for Malawi’s music scene. Meanwhile, in Ghana, Shatta Wale turned Cape Coast into a party hub with a high-energy show promoting his Voice of the Crown EP.

New Music Friday (September 12) dropped a wave of fresh sounds:

• Nasty C (South Africa): A free album packed with introspective bars and trap vibes.

• Skales (Nigeria): Martina’s Son, a deeply personal Afrobeats project.

• Qing Madi (Nigeria): Scumbag, a bold pop-Afrobeats single.

• Wavydav3 (Nigeria): Like It, a dancefloor-ready anthem.

• Other notable releases: Iyanya & FIDO’s Sorry, Ajebutter22’s Love Don Finish 4 Lagos, and tracks from Adekunle Gold, A-Reece, and 2Baba, as highlighted by OkayAfrica.

In Tanzania, Juma Jux earned VIP status in Kenya after a wedding performance, while Mbosso hyped crowds with live band sets at Yamaha Come Together and Simba Day.

Sports: Sprint Stars and Quirky Competitions

African athletes and unique sporting events stole the spotlight. Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, a sprinting sensation, shared his Arsenal-inspired Viktor Gyokores mask celebration and his goals for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, showcasing Africa’s growing track dominance. The Greenlandic Football Championship in Nuuk, covered by BBC Sport, highlighted African diaspora influences in global sports.

In Tanzania, the Rotary Antique Goat Races (promoted over the weekend for September 20) blended quirky competition with charity, drawing thousands in Dar es Salaam. Uganda’s Safari Beats event, headlined by Jamaican star Spice, fused sports-like cultural tours (rhino conservation and Buganda heritage) with entertainment.

Entertainment: Awards, Festivals, and Drama

African stars shone globally and locally. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in New York (September 7), South Africa’s Tyla won Best Afrobeats for PUSH 2 Start, with Ayra Starr and Moliy delivering standout performances. In Johannesburg, a Beyoncé-themed party brought fans together with themed outfits and dance battles.

South Africa’s Heritage Month kicked off with events like Lacrae’s gig and the Folklore Fest, celebrating Black culture, per TrueLove Magazine. Tanzania’s FNB Art Joburg (September 5-7) showcased East African art globally. In Liberia, the National Academy of Music’s Vacation Recital awarded certificates to over 50 young talents.

Comedy fans buzzed about Riyadh Season 2025 lineups featuring Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker. Nigerian artist Vatiswa Ndara’s new book sparked industry bias discussions, while South African couple Lebo M and Mel Ntsala announced another split, fueling gossip. The Miss SA 2025 countdown began with judges revealed, and Sophie Ndaba’s Fashion Meets Music event at Basha Uhuru fused designers like Floyd Avenue with DJ Maria McCloy.

Stay tuned for more African vibes as the continent keeps pushing creative boundaries!