In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the global music landscape, Billboard has officially partnered with Global Venture Partners to launch Billboard Africa, a powerful new platform dedicated to celebrating, documenting, and amplifying African music and culture on a global stage. The announcement was made on June 4th by Billboard’s editorial director, Hannah Karp, during the inaugural Global Power Players event at Shoreditch House in East London. She also introduced the new editor of Billboard Africa, Nkosiyati “Yati” Khumalo, a dynamic voice poised to lead this historic expansion with a deep understanding of the continent’s creative pulse.

Billboard Africa is set to be the leading hub for African music and culture, offering an impressive suite of offerings — from editorial content, charts, breaking news, and exclusive interviews to videos and curated live events. The platform will recognize and rank top artists, songs, and albums emerging from Africa’s vibrant music scenes — including Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hiplife, Bongo Flava, Drill, and more. By delivering trusted data and storytelling, Billboard Africa will bridge the gap between the continent’s creative giants and a rapidly expanding global audience.

The launch comes in partnership with Global Venture Partners, a Dubai-based venture capital firm focused on fostering economic growth across Africa and the Middle East. Their strategic investment in Billboard Africa aligns with their mission to elevate African industries through innovation and international collaboration.

Speaking on the launch, Mike Van, CEO of Billboard, emphasized the cultural significance of the initiative: “At Billboard, we are committed to amplifying the voices of exceptional artists and sharing the stories that shape the global music landscape. Billboard Africa is a pivotal step in this journey, as African music has evolved into a dynamic force with a rich cultural heritage and an undeniable impact on the world. This new platform enables us to create meaningful opportunities for African artists to connect with a global audience, elevating their talent to unprecedented levels.”

Billboard’s move into Africa represents more than just media expansion — it’s a declaration that Africa is no longer just influencing global music; it’s defining it. The continent’s music economy has experienced explosive growth in recent years, and with Billboard Africa’s entry, artists, producers, and industry stakeholders now have a major international platform to boost visibility, shape narratives, and create sustainable impact.

From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, Billboard Africa will be a space where talent meets recognition, and creativity meets opportunity. It signals a new chapter in African music’s global rise — one where stories from the continent are no longer waiting to be heard, but are already charting the course for the future of sound.