Hafrikplay Powers the Soundtrack of Fashion at the Open Mall Fashion Show 2025
Lagos, Nigeria – September 23, 2025 – The worlds of music and fashion will collide in Lagos this September as Hafrikplay, Africa’s creator-first music streaming and distribution platform, partners with Starr & Glenn to deliver the Open Mall Fashion Show (OMF) 2025. The event, powered by Foremade Nigeria, will take place on Saturday, 27th September 2025, at the iconic Lagos City Mall, Onikan. Billed as an open cultural experience for fashion enthusiasts and music lovers, the Open Mall Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated creative showcases of the year. With 12 elite Nigerian designers gracing the runway, including award-winning fashion houses Azach, De ExquisiteMo Luxe, and House of Triniks, the event promises to redefine the intersection of style, sound, and storytelling. Hafrikplay’s Involvement: Music as the Pulse of Fashion As the Official Music Partner, Hafrikplay will infuse the event with vibrant African rhythms and spotlight the next generation of music stars. The runway segments will be underscored by live Afrobeat performances curated by Hafrikplay, ensuring every designer showcase is elevated by the perfect soundtrack. In addition, Hafrikplay will extend its cultural influence into the exhibition area, collaborating with the Muson Music School live band to provide a soulful, interactive experience for attendees exploring fashion displays and lifestyle exhibitions. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Hafrikplay’s mission to empower independent African creatives by bridging music and culture. Through the event, emerging and established artists in Hafrikplay’s ecosystem will gain valuable exposure to fashion audiences, media partners, and brand stakeholders. “Hafrikplay is more than just a streaming and distribution platform; it is a cultural hub where music, fashion, and creativity intersect. Our involvement in the Open Mall Fashion Show is a testament to our commitment to creating meaningful spaces where African creatives can thrive and tell their stories to the world.” — Abolaji Alaka, COO of Hafrikplay Fashion Meets Technology This year’s Open Mall Fashion Show is powered by Foremade Nigeria, a new-age digital sales platform built for SMEs and users alike. By combining Foremade’s vision of empowering small businesses with Hafrikplay’s artist-first approach to music, OMF 2025 represents a bold step in showcasing how technology, commerce, and creativity can come together to uplift African industries. The event will utilize both the ground floor and first floor of Lagos City Mall. The ground floor runway stage will host designer showcases and music performances, while the upper floor exhibition area will feature tables for SMEs, lifestyle brands, and fashion innovators to connect with the public. Partners & Media Visibility The Open Mall Fashion Show 2025 is produced by Starr & Glenn and supported by an impressive lineup of partners, including Hafrikplay, AIT, SpiceTV, and AFD Magazine. This collaboration guarantees wide media coverage across television, fashion media, print, and digital platforms. Hafrikplay will further amplify this visibility by curating exclusive OMF playlists, streaming artist highlights, and spotlighting designers through its app and blog — giving the event an afterlife that extends beyond a single day. “The Open Mall Fashion Show is more than a runway; it is a cultural statement. We are proud to partner with Hafrikplay and Foremade Nigeria to deliver an experience where African fashion, music, and commerce meet to inspire the next generation.” — Akadidi Harrison, CEO & Founder of Starr & Glenn A Cultural Convergence By uniting music, fashion, and digital media, the Open Mall Fashion Show 2025 is more than just an event — it is a cultural statement. For Hafrikplay, the partnership underscores its role as a bridge-builder between industries, positioning African music at the heart of fashion’s creative expression. As Lagos prepares to welcome thousands of fashion lovers, shoppers, and music enthusiasts to the City Mall on September 27, Hafrikplay stands ready to deliver the soundtrack of Africa’s cultural renaissance. For Press Inquiries: Hafrikplay: hafrikplay@gmail.com| info@hafrikplay.com Starr & Glenn: starrandglenn@gmail.com
Hafrikplay and Ipada Initiative Forge Strategic Media Partnership to Amplify Pan-African Cultural Renaissance
Lagos, Nigeria – November 12, 2025 – Hafrikplay, the rapidly growing Pan-African music streaming platform, and the Ipada Initiative, a major cultural celebration reconnecting the African diaspora with their heritage, today announced a strategic media partnership designed to significantly boost event visibility, amplify cultural impact, and drive growth for the creative economy. The collaboration, finalized in a meeting on November 6, 2025, positions Hafrikplay as the initiative’s “Digital Amplifier” Partner, leveraging its platform of over 100,000 users to bring the sounds and stories of the Ipada Initiative to a global audience. The 10-Day Cultural Spectacle: Event Highlights The Ipada Initiative Celebration is a 10-day cultural spectacle running from November 20 to December 7, 2025, at La Campagne Tropicana. The event features an unparalleled line-up of culture, entertainment, and networking opportunities, including: African International Music Festival (AIM Festival): A premier showcase of African musical talent. Nefertiti African Beauty Pageant (The Queen of Africa): Celebrating African beauty, grace, and culture. Bluesome Women Empowerment Festival: Dedicated to uplifting and celebrating women’s achievements. Business & Diaspora Investment Summit: Connecting global investors with African opportunities. Afro Diaspora Fashion Showcase: Highlighting the continent’s vibrant and innovative fashion industry. Guinness World Record Attempts: Including the highly anticipated Longest Pool Party. Partnership Highlights and Scope Through this partnership, Hafrikplay will integrate deeply into the initiative’s existing, high-momentum media campaigns, which already include billboards, BRT buses, and global partners like CNN and Trace TV. Digital Amplification: Hafrikplay will provide exclusive digital coverage and promotion, including banner placements, ticket integrations, and social media campaigns to reach the global African diaspora. Content & Artist Integration: The platform will feature curated Ipada Playlists (e.g., “Road to Ipada 2025”), showcasing performing artists and offering its app as a potential additional streaming outlet (“Powered by Hafrikplay Live”). Hafrikplay will also bring selected artists from its platform to perform at the festival, enhancing audience engagement. Cultural Preservation: The collaboration will leverage the Ipada Initiative’s “Return to Roots” theme by creating special Hafrikplay channels (“The Return — Ipada Sounds of Africa”) and archiving traditional performances, positioning Hafrikplay as a key cultural ally. Strategic Vision and Mutual Value: “We are committed to helping the Ipada Initiative reach the global African diaspora by promoting the festival’s incredible artists and cultural sounds through Hafrikplay’s digital ecosystem,” said Omobosola Karimat Alaka, the CEO and Co-Founder at Hafrikplay. “This is more than media placement; it’s a shared vision to elevate independent and underground African music and foster creative industry growth.” The partnership represents a powerful synergy between technology and tradition, setting a new standard for Pan-African cultural amplification and media collaboration. About Hafrikplay Hafrikplay is a leading Pan-African music streaming platform dedicated to elevating independent and underground African music, providing artists with a voice, and connecting African culture with the global diaspora. About Ipada Initiative The Ipada Initiative is a landmark cultural celebration focused on reconnecting the African diaspora with their heritage, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting the development of the African creative economy. Contacts: Hafrikplay hafrikplay@gmail.com|info@hafrikplay.com Ipada Initiative info@ipadacarnivao.com|ipadacarnival.com
Hafrikplay Partners with Creatives Hangout Lagos (CHL) to Celebrate and Empower African Creatives
Lagos, Nigeria – 6th September 2025 — Hafrikplay, Africa’s leading creator-first music streaming platform, is proud to announce its partnership with Creatives Hangout Lagos (CHL), a flagship event curated by Zest Management Alté (ZEMA). This collaboration underscores Hafrikplay’s unwavering commitment to amplifying African talent and building cultural experiences that empower artists, storytellers, and innovators. At its core, CHL is designed to be more than a gathering it’s a movement. It brings together musicians, visual artists, writers, producers, and fans in one space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate creativity in all its forms. The 2025 edition promises performances, games, panels, and networking opportunities that reflect the vibrancy of Nigeria’s creative economy. “At Hafrikplay, we are all about the creatives,” said Abolaji Alaka, Co – Founder & COO of Hafrikplay. “This partnership with CHL gives us a chance to do what we love most creating platforms for artists to shine, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and giving audiences an authentic connection to the next wave of African talent.” For Chukuweneku Valentino Otuya, CEO of Zest Management Alté (ZEMA), the inspiration behind CHL was clear: “Creatives are the heartbeat of our culture, yet they often lack spaces to thrive. CHL was built to change that. Partnering with Hafrikplay, a brand equally passionate about discovery and empowerment, ensures that this year’s edition will be our most impactful yet.” Attendees can expect: Live performances from emerging Hafrikplay artists 🎤 Trivia games and activations sponsored by Hafrikplay 🎲 Artist spotlights, playlist tie-ins, and interactive sessions ✨ Conversations that touch on the creative economy, artist wellbeing, and the future of African sound 🌍 📌 For More Information: Follow @zemagroup on Instagram for event updates and inquiries. 📩 Register Now: https://forms.gle/quhqeF411m7nXnv97 About Hafrikplay Hafrikplay is Africa’s most creator-focused music streaming platform, dedicated to empowering artists and amplifying African sound globally. With a growing community of over 50,000 users, Hafrikplay provides artists with tools, visibility, and opportunities to thrive. About CHL Creatives Hangout Lagos (CHL), powered by Zest Management Alté (ZEMA), is an annual cultural gathering designed to connect, celebrate, and elevate Nigeria’s most promising creative voices.
Okal Returns with Heartfelt Single “Know (Idk)” — Exclusively on Hafrikplay
🎧 Okal Returns with Heartfelt Single “Know (Idk)” — Exclusively on Hafrikplay [Lagos, Nigeria – August 27, 2025] — Nigerian singer and songwriter Okal makes a bold, emotional comeback with her new single “Know (Idk),” a soul-baring anthem about love, heartbreak, and healing. The track is available exclusively on Hafrikplay. With her soothing vocals layered over a minimal yet captivating production, Okal delivers a raw performance that captures the pain of loving deeply while navigating heartbreak. “Know (Idk)” blends emotional vulnerability with lyrical simplicity, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever loved, lost, and tried to heal. “Even though I’m hurt, I’m still in love with you. Taking time to heal my heart,” Okal sings, giving listeners a glimpse into her emotional world. The release follows Okal’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most authentic female voices in contemporary Afro-fusion and soul. Known for her ability to connect with audiences through honesty and heartfelt delivery, “Know (Idk)” further cements her place as a rising star who isn’t afraid to share her truth. 🔒 Why Hafrikplay? Hafrikplay is the home of authentic African music. By spotlighting editorial exclusives like “Know (Idk),” the platform empowers artists like Okal to connect with fans directly while building a global stage for Africa’s most innovative voices. 🎧 Stream “Know (Idk)” exclusively here: 👉https://hafrikplay.com/track/IxF7qzN1Wvcexqj 🌍 Connect with Okal: Instagram: @iamokal Twitter (X): @iamokal TikTok: @iamokal Facebook: @iamokal Website : iamokal.com About Okal: Okal is a Nigerian singer and songwriter celebrated for her soulful voice, honest lyrics, and genre-blending style. With her heartfelt approach to music, she has built a strong reputation as a voice of vulnerability and strength in the African music scene. “Know (Idk)” showcases Okal’s ability to turn pain into art, offering listeners a healing soundscape that resonates far beyond borders.
Entertainment – Deerichi: The Unpredictable Sound of Abuja
Introduction Based in Abuja, Deerichi (Dirichi Mark Eche-Ejikeme) is an artist from Anambra State, Nigeria, whose sound fearlessly blends Afro-fusion, Afro-swing, rap, and experimental elements. As both a performer and a sound engineer, he crafts music that is energetic, distinct, and deeply personal. About Me My name is Dirichi Mark Eche-Ejikeme, but you know me as Deerichi. I’m an artist from Anambra State, Nigeria, now based in Abuja. I started recording professionally in 2020 and have since developed a sound that blends Afro-fusion, Afro-swing, rap, and experimental elements. As both an artist and a sound engineer, I create music that is energetic, different, and deeply connected to my story. Musical Journey Music is what I breathe; it’s part of my everyday life. I used to rap on tables in boarding school just to stay connected to the art. My parents always surrounded me with music at home, and my dad’s encouragement—from me rapping Lil Wayne’s songs for him—fueled my passion. Music is like water to me—I can’t go a day without it. It’s not just what I do; it’s who I am. Signature Style My music is defined by a fearless blend of Afro-fusion, Afro-swing, rap, and experimental sounds. I don’t box myself into one lane; I create a sound that is unpredictable yet intentional, energetic yet soulful. What makes my style unique is the balance between hard-hitting rap flows, vibrant Afro rhythms, and melodies that stay with you. My signature is about pushing boundaries while staying authentic, giving listeners something they won’t hear anywhere else. Notable Achievements Began recording professionally in 2020, steadily building a unique sound. Released my debut EP, “At Midnight,” in September 2023, which reached #16 on the Top Alternative Albums chart in Nigeria and gained over 30,000 streams. Dropped the single “GBEDU” in 2025, a vibrant summer anthem praised for its global dance-floor energy. Performed live in front of an audience of over 1,000 people. Established a growing reputation in Abuja as a versatile independent artist and one of the city’s hardest rappers. My dual role as an artist and sound engineer has allowed me to hone a sound that sets me apart in Nigeria’s music scene. Existing Projects Don’t Leave (feat. Mikels_Alter) (2020) $iGNS (Two-Pack Single) (2024) At Midnight (EP) (2023) GBEDU (Single) (2025) Future Plans for My Brand God is the author of this story, so I’ll let Him keep writing. Influences and Inspirations I listen to all kinds of music, but my earliest influence was D’banj, who I still look up to. I’m also inspired by the creativity of Asake and the raw storytelling of Jeriq. Beyond artists, my greatest inspiration comes from my own life experiences. Everything I write is either a reflection of what I’ve lived through or a vision of the future I see for myself. I believe in honesty in music, so every song I make is rooted in truth. Discography Don’t Leave (feat. Mikels_Alter) [Single] (2020) At Midnight [EP] (2023) $iGNS [Two-Pack Single] (2024) GBEDU [Single] (2025) Upcoming Projects I can’t reveal much, but what I can promise is a continuous flow of “GBEDU”! Connect With Me Stay connected and follow my journey: Instagram – @deerichi X – @deerichi TikTok – @deerichi Threads – @deerichi YouTube – @deerichi Email (Bookings/Press): deerichibookings@gmail.com Listen HERE