Nigeria: Rema’s $10K ‘Kelebu’ Dance Challenge Sets Social Media Alight
Nigerian star Rema pushed the boundaries of fan engagement when he released his single Kelebu with a $10,000 dance challenge on social media. The singer invited dancers around the world to post their routines to TikTok or Instagram, promising a cash prize for the best performance. The challenge went viral as fans responded in droves, uploading choreographies set to Rema’s upbeat Afro-pop track. The promotion not only drove discussion on X but also spotlighted the song’s infectious rhythms and innovative marketing strategy.
After weeks of submissions, Rema announced the winners of the Kelebu Dance Challenge, presenting the prize to the dance crew POP Boys. Photos of Rema celebrating with the winners circulated widely online, underscoring how user-generated content can amplify a new release and create a global trend. With the challenge, Rema demonstrated how Nigerian artists continue to innovate in connecting with fans, sparking a viral moment and pushing Kelebu up the charts and onto newsfeeds worldwide.
Rema celebrates with the Kelebu Dance Challenge winners
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South Africa: Apple Music Crowns Trillion Petals as Up Next Star
Apple Music named Cape Town–born singer-songwriter Trillion Petals (Alison Rachel of the band HONEYMOAN) as its latest Up Next artist in South Africa. The streaming giant’s programme highlights emerging talent poised for global impact. In an interview, Rachel expressed gratitude for the recognition and said she felt lucky to create music she cares about, noting that the Up Next spotlight will help her reach new audiences. Apple Music said it selected Trillion Petals for her distinctive blend of R&B, electronic and dream-pop sounds, and called her upcoming releases some of the most exciting in South African alternative music.
The announcement has fans buzzing on social media. Trillion Petals’ supporters flooded X with congratulations and excitement, while industry figures praised Apple Music for showcasing local talent. As the Up Next feature launched, streams of the singer’s recent single “Love Died” surged, and she gained thousands of new followers on streaming platforms. Many commentators view the selection as a sign that South Africa’s indie scene is gaining international recognition.
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Ghana: Medikal and Shatta Wale Top Ghana Music Countdown
The Ghana Music Top 10 Countdown for Week 34 (ending 23 August 2025) saw rapper Medikal alongside dancehall star Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM claim the number-one spot with their collaboration Shoulder. The chart, compiled by GhanaMusic.com, tracks the country’s most popular songs based on airplay and streaming. Other notable entries include Black Sherif’s Sacrifice at #2, King Paluta’s Foko! at #3, the collaboration So It Goes by Black Sherif and Fireboy DML at #4, and Sarkodie’s Violence featuring Kweku Smoke at #5.
The countdown sparked conversation on Ghanaian social media as fans debated the rankings and celebrated the success of their favourite artists. Medikal’s fans, known as the “Stubborn Army,” trended hashtags in support of Shoulder, while Shatta Wale’s followers hailed his continued chart dominance. The lively discussion underscores the influence of charts in shaping music conversations and promoting local artists in Ghana’s vibrant scene.
Kenya: Mbosso’s “Pawa” Leads YouTube Kenya Weekly Chart
Tanzanian crooner Mbosso topped the YouTube Kenya Weekly Top Songs chart (week ending 21 August 2025) with his soulful single Pawa, garnering more than two million views in seven days. The rankings, compiled by analytics site KWORB, show Kenyan star Okello Max close behind with Taya at #2, followed by Zuchu’s Amanda, Iyanii’s viral hit Donjo Maber, and Toxic Lyrikali’s anthem Bud Flowers rounding out the top five. The chart reflects the growing influence of streaming in Kenya’s music industry.
Fans across Kenya celebrated the achievements of both local and regional artists. On X, many praised Mbosso’s emotive vocals and the song’s storytelling, while others noted the rise of Okello Max and Iyanii as signs of Kenya’s dynamic Afro-pop scene. Chart watchers also highlighted the cross-border popularity of Tanzanian and Nigerian acts, illustrating East Africa’s interconnected musical landscape.
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Tanzania: Offset and Mbosso Dominate Apple Music Albums Chart
Apple Music’s Top Albums chart in Tanzania showcases a mix of local and international talent. For the week of 22 August 2025, U.S. rapper Offset claimed the top spot with his album KIARI. He was followed by Tanzanian star Mbosso with his project Room Number 3, U.S. rapper Gunna with The Last Wun, and global icons like Ciara (CiCi [Deluxe]) and Yammi (After All – EP). The chart indicates a healthy appetite for diverse sounds among Tanzanian listeners.
On social media, fans of Mbosso expressed pride that a local artist is competing with international heavyweights, while Offset’s followers celebrated his crossover success in East Africa. Commentators predicted that Room Number 3 could climb to the summit in coming weeks, citing its strong streaming numbers and positive reviews. The discussion highlighted Tanzania’s growing role as a regional hub for both homegrown and global music.
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Uganda: Da Agent and Sandra Naxx Lead Uganda’s Top Songs in August
With Omega 256 and Cindy Sanyu’s See You Tonight excluded from consideration, the August 2025 Top Songs list on Ugandan platform MP3Jaja reveals exciting new leaders. The second-most popular track is Baliwa by rapper Da Agent with 2,114 downloads, closely followed by NePanka by singer Sandra Naxx with 1,900 downloads. Other high-performing songs include Nyoko Wo by Mudra, Kwanyumira by Baby Gloria and Vinka, and Wasting Time by Nessim. The rankings highlight the diversity of genres dominating Uganda’s digital music scene, from dancehall to Afrobeat.
Fans on X praised Da Agent’s storytelling and Sandra Naxx’s vocals, often sharing clips of their favourite tracks. The chart success emphasises how digital downloads continue to drive music consumption in Uganda, with local artists benefiting from grassroots support and social-media promotion.
United Kingdom: Chappell Roan Tops the UK Singles Chart With “The Subway”
U.S. singer-songwriter Chappell Roan scored her second UK No. 1 single when The Subway debuted atop the Official Singles Chart. The synth-pop track pushed previous leader Golden by KPop Demon Hunters down to #2, while Justin Bieber’s Daisies held at #3. Roan’s rise comes on the heels of her viral hit “Hot To Go!”, and she has been praised for her theatrical live performances and emotive storytelling.
The chart news ignited excitement among Roan’s British fans, who celebrated on X with memes and tributes to the singer’s distinctive style. Many highlighted how The Subway reflects London’s underground culture, resonating with listeners across the UK. Industry observers noted that her success demonstrates the continued appeal of alt-pop artists in the mainstream singles market.
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United States: Alex Warren and Sabrina Carpenter Dominate American Top 40
The August 23 2025 edition of American Top 40 saw California singer Alex Warren retain the #1 position with his breakout hit Ordinary for a 17th week. Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter followed at #2 with her hit Manchild, while R&B singer Ravyn Lenae held the #3 slot with her soulful single Love Me Not. Rounding out the top five were Benson Boone’s Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else at #4 and Sombr’s retro-inspired Undressed at #5.
Listeners across the U.S. lit up social media to discuss the chart, debating whether Warren’s reign would continue and praising Carpenter’s anthem. Several fans pointed out the variety of genres represented in the Top 10, from R&B to country-pop, underscoring the eclectic taste of American audiences. The countdown’s continued influence makes it a key driver of radio play and streaming playlists nationwide.
Canada: The Weeknd Eyes $1 Billion Deal for His Music Catalogue
Canadian superstar The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) is reportedly in talks with private-equity firm Lyric Capital Group to raise $1 billion using his music catalogue as collateral. According to industry reports, the proposed structure would involve $500 million in senior debt, $250 million in junior debt and $250 million in equity. The deal would allow the artist to retain control over his master recordings while capitalising on the substantial streaming revenue generated by hits such as Blinding Lights and Save Your Tears.
The news has sparked speculation about the growing value of music catalogues and the trend of artists leveraging their work for financing. On X, fans marvelled at the scale of the potential deal and debated whether other Canadian artists might pursue similar arrangements. Analysts note that if finalised, the agreement would mark one of the largest financings of its kind in the global music industry.
Australia: Doja Cat Announces 2025 Australian & New Zealand Arena Tour
Grammy-winning rapper and singer Doja Cat will bring her first ever arena tour to Australia and New Zealand in November 2025. The tour, announced on 22 August 2025, supports her forthcoming album Vie and includes shows in Auckland (23 Nov), Perth (25 Nov), Melbourne (28 Nov), Brisbane (29 Nov) and Sydney (1 Dec). Fans can access presale tickets from 25 August, with general sale beginning 28 August. Doja Cat previewed new music, including the single Jealous Type, during her appearance at the Outside Lands festival earlier this month.
News of the tour generated excitement on X, with Australian and Kiwi fans sharing memes about seeing Doja Cat live for the first time. Many praised her decision to include New Zealand on the itinerary, noting the country often gets bypassed by major pop acts. Promoters expect the shows to sell out quickly, highlighting the growing appetite for international tours in Australasia.
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New Zealand: Rhythm & Vines 2025 Line-up Brings Kid Cudi, Turnstile and Wilkinson
New Zealand’s iconic summer festival Rhythm & Vines announced a star-studded line-up for its 2025 edition, headlined by American rapper Kid Cudi, hardcore band Turnstile and drum-and-bass producer Wilkinson. The festival, scheduled for 29 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 in Gisborne, will also feature Mako Road, Kaytranada and local acts. Early-bird tickets sold out quickly, and general admission goes on sale 28 August 2025. Organisers expect strong demand as the festival returns to full capacity after pandemic-related restrictions.
Music lovers in New Zealand flocked to X to express their excitement at the diverse line-up. Many fans highlighted Kid Cudi’s first appearance in the country and celebrated the inclusion of heavy-hitting international acts. The announcements also coincide with the Down Under tour of U.S. rapper Jelly Roll, who will perform in Auckland as part of his own tour later in the year, underscoring how New Zealand is attracting major global artists.
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