The peculiar thing about the entertainment industry is that the focus is always dedicated to celebrities, superstars, and all great related individuals who contribute to the finesse of the industry.
However, much attention doesn’t go to those who have made it their sole mission to document, catalogue, project, predict, and discuss events, people, phenomena, trends, rising stars, fadeaways, and more that make the entertainment industry a place of imagination, fantasy, fame, fortune, and dreams.
The Nigerian entertainment industry contributed approximately 197.6 million US dollars to the country’s GDP in 2023, and its total revenue reached US$8.37 million in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2022-2029) of 8.90%, reaching a projected market volume of US$18.06 million by 2029.
It is, therefore, pertinent to acknowledge these amazing, intellectually driven individuals who are constantly going over and beyond writing and, in all essence, shaping the culture of the Nigerian entertainment industry, even as we brace for more Afrobeats domination across the globe.
Here are ten exceptional culture writers who are shaping the Afrobeats narrative and more:
Adeayo Adebiyi
A Nigerian music journalist and senior music reporter at Pulse Nigeria, he’s passionate about documenting and developing Nigerian music. He guides younger audiences through the evolution of Nigerian mainstream music and pop culture, exploring its historical and political context. He hosts the popular video series “Facts Only,” which offers an in-depth analysis of the Nigerian music scene. A law graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAUIFE), he’s also the pioneering former Editor-In-Chief of TurnTable Charts. His interests include the development and documentation of Afrobeats, as well as reading philosophy, literature, and history; following global economics; and watching football.
Marvellous Akintomide
Known professionally as Tomide Marv. He is a culture writer who has carved a unique path by incorporating his passion for music and storytelling. He was inspired by his father, a famed journalist, writer, and author. His sojourn into writing began in his university days, where he honed his skills. He has written press releases for Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack. His most notable piece, ‘Mohbad: The Poet I Needed at My Lowest’ on the Zikoko platform, was a tribute to Mohbad. He was recently listed on the inaugural list of The 49th People of the Year, a prestigious recognition that celebrates trailblazers driving change and making an impact across diverse fields.
Emmanuel Esomnofu
A culture journalist, entertainment consultant, and writer, he explores diverse facets of culture through his work. He creates content about creators in music, visual art, tech, literature, and business, often employing storytelling and historical perspectives to fully capture scenes, significant creators, and key moments. His writing has appeared in publications such as NATIVE Mag, Okay Africa, Open Country Magazine, Reader’s Digest UK, and more. In 2023, he was listed by Turntable Charts among the ‘30 under 30’ power players in Nigerian music.
Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro
He is the Managing Editor at Afrocritik. He dives deep into African music and pop culture, interviewing stars like Femi Dapson and Mr Eazi, while advocating for a more critical and thoughtful film industry in Nigeria. He’s been defending Drake, promoting Nigerian music, and calling out clowns in the industry. He is celebrated for insightful music reviews and interviews, with Afrocritik frequently sharing their work on artists like Anendlessocean and Tems.
Abioye Damilare Samson
The culture writer who’s acing exams with mnemonics and dissecting Afropop’s evolution through essays on artists like Adekunle Gold and Fireboy DML. He has been diving into debates on marital consent and critiquing Apple Music’s recommendations, while also questioning MTN’s data policies. The community values his insightful reviews and analyses, with Afrocritik frequently sharing his takes on music and fashion.
Frank Njugi
The East African literary maestro, weaving poetry and critique. He is pushing the narrative of African arts with accolades like the Pushcart Prize nomination and a keen eye on Kenyan music’s renaissance. He’s been diving into music evolution, celebrating new poetry, and debating regional music terms. The digital community celebrates Frank Njugi’s literary prowess, with Afrocritik highlighting his insightful reviews and essays, Fiery Scribe Mag acknowledging his editorial contributions, and INKspiredng praising his poetry.
Emmanuel Daraloye
Known professionally as Emma Tallest, he is a seasoned music journalist with over a thousand album reviews under his belt, twice listed by “Black Pride Magazine” as one of Nigeria’s top 5 music journalists, showcasing his deep roots in Afrobeats critique. He believes in the growth and global recognition of Afrobeats, predicting more Grammy categories for the genre in the coming years. His work includes insightful reviews, like his take on Asake’s songs, indicating his engagement with the evolving sounds of Afrobeats. He’s been diving into music critique, networking with media, and celebrating Afrobeats’ global rise. He is celebrated for insightful music reviews and interviews, with Afrocritik, Abioye Damilare Samson, and Jerry Chiemeke highlighting his contributions.
Jerry Chiemeke
He is a lawyer turned culture journalist; he’s penned poignant nonfiction and champions the richness of Nigerian pidgin as a language. He has been passionately defending cultural traditions, critiquing music industry norms, and promoting local art events. The digital community celebrates Jerry’s literary contributions, with Michael Chièdoziém Chúkwúderà thanking him for editing and Yanga Book Club discussing his work.
Ibukunoluwa Daramola
She is a naturally inquisitive writer with a mind that is always bursting with ideas. She graduated from Caleb University, Lagos, with a first-class degree in Mass Communication in 2021, and she concluded her National Youth Service in January 2023. In her one year of experience in the digital marketing industry, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of community management and relevant social media management experience. She has written over a thousand articles for Pulse Nigeria.
Ernest Nweke
He is an Abuja-based writer. His works cover culture, politics, and their intersection with minorities. He is a writer with a sharp pen for Nigerian culture, advocating against child sexualization and for the recognition of Nigerian artistry. He’s been dropping witty takes on social issues, from critiquing Photoshop fakery to highlighting Nigeria’s femicide crisis. The digital community praises his writing, with Chisom Ogamba highlighting his interview skills and Innocent Chizaram Ilo noting his tender writing style. His works can be found on ReckoningMag, Popula, Intomore, The Republic, Minority Africa, Diaspora Africa, BBC, and elsewhere.
As Afrobeats continues to flourish on the international stage, the role of these culture writers becomes increasingly indispensable. They drive meaningful discourse, document significant cultural shifts, and champion the stories behind the artists that make the genre a global phenomenon. Recognizing their contributions allows us to appreciate the delicate interplay between entertainment and cultural narrative—a testament to the heart of Afrobeats and its enduring legacy.
