Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Grammy-nominated Malian trailblazer Fatoumata Diawara is Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for June
Grammy-nominated Malian singer, songwriter, guitarist and actress Fatoumata Diawara has been announced as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for June. A premier voice on the world stage, Diawara has spent years redefining contemporary music by carrying Mali’s Mandinka traditions into a global sound rooted in wisdom, resilience and social change. Her journey spans film, theatre and…
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READY OR NOT: THE DIVINE BLUEPRINT OF DAHVI
The music industry rarely hands out invitations; more often than not, it requires a forced entry. For Desmond Frank, known to the world as Dahvi, his sophomore EP, Ready or Not, is a door-splintering arrival. In this exclusive conversation, Dahvi takes us through the acts of his life: from the early days of unnoticed brilliance…
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Green Indie is changing the Landscape with D2F
The world is streaming Africa. Africa isn’t getting paid. Afrobeats is arguably one of the world’s fastest-growing genres. Nigerian artists generated over ₦60 billion from 30.3 billion Spotify streams in a single year. Sub-Saharan Africa posted the highest music revenue growth of any region on earth with 24.7% in 2024. And yet, only 1–2% of…
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HAYSTIXX: The Journey from Behind the Keys to Centre Stage
Olatunji Ayopelumi Israel, professionally known as HAYSTIXX, is a Nigerian record producer, recording artist and songwriter whose work continues to shape the soundscape of contemporary African music. Renowned for his versatility and ability to create culturally resonant records, he has built an impressive catalogue spanning production, artist collaborations, and original releases. As a producer, HAYSTIXX…
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“The Music Decides”: Naija House Mafia on Doing It Their Own Way
How did three different artists join forces to become a single, dominant force in Nigeria’s electronic music revolution? It started, as most good things, with community. Around 2019, Jamie Black, Sigag Lauren, and Calix began noticing something forming around them: a real movement of people who loved dance music. They found each other in that…
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Laz Releases Debut EP, ‘Body Language’, Under Black Diamond.
Rising Afrofusion artist, Laz has officially released his debut EP, ‘Body Language’, under Black Diamond Collective. The project marks a defining moment in Laz’s artistic journey, introducing his first full body of work with the label and offering listeners a deeper look into his evolving sound and artistic identity. The seven-track EP builds on the…
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Café Riddim, KEVIN LNDN & Söulaar Deliver a Rave-Ready Electronic Anthem with “Bounce It O”
Nigerian electronic music label Café Riddim returns with “Bounce It O,” a vibrant new collaboration featuring electronic music producer KEVIN LNDN and Afrobeats singer-songwriter Söulaar. The third release in Café Riddim’s ongoing series of collaborations between producers and vocalists, “Bounce It O” is a playful electronic anthem inspired by attraction, dancefloor energy, and rave culture.…
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DAVE BRINGS ‘THE BOY WHO PLAYED THE HARP’ TOUR TO LAGOS FOR HIS FIRST-EVER HEADLINE SHOWS IN NIGERIA
History-making British-Nigerian rapper, producer, and songwriter Dave, also known as Santan Dave, will headline his first-ever shows in Nigeria on October 16 and 17 at Lagos’ Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly the National Theatre), bringing his acclaimed The Boy Who Played the Harp tour to a close. Presented by Live Nation…
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How To Get Into EDM, For Normies.
So you’ve realised that every cool kid you know is into EDM now, and you’d also like to check it out but you don’t know where to begin. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. This is what you should do. Step 1: Start with the electronic edits of songs you already know The easiest entry…
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The Layered History of Ojude Oba
Every year, two days after Ileya, something extraordinary happens in a town that most Nigerians couldn’t point to on a map without help. The streets of Ijebu-Ode fill up. Horses gleam under the Ogun State sun. Fabrics so fine they look painted catch the light. And somewhere in that crowd, among thousands of people who…
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