April UnWrapped: A Monumental Month for African Music & Culture

BV Music
May 1, 2025
April was nothing short of iconic for African music and culture. From dominating the global stage to redefining sonic experiences, African artists proved yet again that this is our moment, and the world is listening. Here’s a recap of all the culture-shifting moments you may have missed.
African music was loud worldwide, with standout performances at some of the biggest international stages: Amaarae, Rema, Tyla, and Seun Kuti brought the heat to Coachella 2025, lighting up the desert with energy and style. It was an especially historic moment for Amaarae, who became the first Ghanaian artist to perform a solo set at Coachella.
Burna Boy made history in Europe, selling out the Stade de France, one of the continent’s largest venues, becoming the first African artist to headline and sell out the venue—an unforgettable cultural milestone.
Fireboy DML packed out the Royal Albert Hall in London with a magical, high-energy performance that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish.
Tems brought elegance and power to the Dreamville Festival stage with a visually stunning and vocally masterful set.
Moliy had a standout April with her global breakout hit “Shake It To The Max”. She’s been on a promotional run across key international platforms, captivating new audiences and expanding her sonic reach. The Ghanaian star made a powerful appearance at the Barclays Center alongside Skillibeng and Shenseea for the Vybz Kartel Tribute Concert. To crown an already sensational month, Moliy emerged as the most-streamed Ghanaian artist on YouTube and charted at #3 on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs Chart.
Albums & EPs That Owned April
Black Sherif – IRON BOY: The voice of a generation is back with his sophomore album IRON BOY a bold, reflective, and culturally potent body of work. Black Sherif’s tour in the US saw sold-out venues and emotionally charged performances, with fans chanting every word of this freshly dropped project. IRON BOY currently sits at #1 in Ghana and is dominating charts across Africa and the diaspora.
Davido – 5IVE (Album): Afrobeats heavyweight Davido delivered his fifth studio album, 5IVE, to thunderous fanfare. The rollout was global complete with PS5 collaborations and branded listening concerts around the world. The project reaffirms Davido’s standing as a crossover giant with local roots and international appeal.
Olive the Boy – Out of the Blue (EP): One of Ghana’s fastest-rising stars, Olive the Boy, delivered a heartfelt and sonically lush EP that solidifies him as one to watch.
Singles You Need on Your Playlist. Here are some of April’s must-add tracks: Bout You by Rema, Laho 2 by Shallipopi & Burna Boy, Fire by Arathejay ft Bella Shmurda, Ayra Starr & Wizkid’s Gimme Dat and Cheat On You by Kidi & Gyakie.
Spotlight of the Month: Cozy Pols
Meet Cozy Pols, one of the most exciting voices to emerge from Ghana’s growing alté scene. A proud member of the 99 Phaces Collective, Cozy isn’t just an artist, he’s a creative explorer. His work spans Afrofusion, Hiplife, and Hip-Hop, and his lyrics reflect themes of love, life, and vulnerability. His debut EP, With Love, is a genre-blending experience a sonic diary of romance and emotion. With collaborators like Ria Boss and Vynyl Sky, Cozy crafts a rich, layered body of work that’s as emotionally resonant as it is sonically experimental. Add in his undeniable stage presence and heartthrob energy, and it’s no surprise that Cozy Pols is quickly becoming a live favourite.