HafrikPlay x Gwariloaded: Partnership to Take Arewa Music & Afrokalugu Global
Two influential platforms unite to elevate Northern Nigeria’s sound and give Arewa creatives the global stage they’ve long deserved. In a bold and culture-forward move, HafrikPlay, Africa’s leading music streaming platform championing indigenous sounds, announces a groundbreaking partnership with Gwariloaded.com.ng, the North’s most trusted digital source for music and entertainment. This alliance marks a pivotal step toward global recognition of Arewa music and its dynamic fusion genre, Afrokalugu. From street cyphers in Kano to digital cyphers in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria’s creative engine has long been undercelebrated—despite housing some of Africa’s most prolific talents. Together, HafrikPlay and Gwariloaded are changing the narrative. “The future of African music is incomplete without Arewa,” says Abolaji Alaka, COO of HafrikPlay. “Afrokalugu is the sound of legacy evolving—where ancient percussion meets modern ambition. This partnership gives Northern creators not just visibility, but viability.” Why Afrokalugu Matters Now Afrokalugu, a rhythmic evolution of Hausa, Kanuri, and Fulani sounds, represents the new cultural wave of Northern Nigeria—a genre rich in storytelling, harmony, and grit. It reflects both the heritage and hustle of a region brimming with talent yet often excluded from mainstream music pipelines. With over 94 million people across the North East and North West zones, and a creative base estimated at 1.3 million youth and professionals, the Arewa region is not a niche—it’s a cultural superpower waiting to be exported. This partnership aims to do just that—responsibly and impactfully. A Blueprint for Discovery, Inclusion, and Monetization Through this partnership, HafrikPlay and Gwariloaded will: Launch an Arewa x Afrokalugu Channel on HafrikPlay featuring curated playlists, artist spotlights, and editorial series Introduce Monthly “Northern Radar” Breakout Features to highlight fast-rising talents across Arewa states Host Pan-Arewa Creator Bootcamps with industry training, mentorship, and marketing support Distribute Artist Royalties Directly, giving creators fairer control over their music and earnings “Gwariloaded was built as a bridge—between the streets, the culture, and the future,” says Musa Shuaibu, COO of Gwariloaded.com.ng. “This partnership with HafrikPlay creates real infrastructure for Northern artists—not just to be heard, but to be valued.” Why This Matters to the Creative Economy HafrikPlay currently boasts over 50,000 active users, a strong editorial engine, and integration with regional discovery partners like RADARCharts and LyricsBaze. Gwariloaded.com.ng reaches over 1 million monthly users across Arewa, influencing both youth culture and entertainment trends. Combined, their reach and relevance position this partnership as a catalyst for socio-creative inclusion. The collaboration addresses three urgent industry gaps: Cultural Equity – Bringing Arewa stories and sounds to national and international audiences Creative Infrastructure – Building consistent systems for artist discovery, branding, and monetization Regional Empowerment – Unlocking the economic potential of Northern Nigeria’s youth through creative technology The Future Is Northern, and It’s Now In a continent bursting with sonic exports, Afrokalugu might just be the next big wave. With strategic collaboration and cultural fidelity, HafrikPlay and Gwariloaded are paving the way—not just for a genre, but for a generation. PRESS CONTACTS HafrikPlay info@hafrikplay.com | www.hafrikplay.com Gwariloaded.com.ng Gwariloaded@gmail.com | www.gwariloaded.com.ng
Entertainment – Notchman: Crafting “Afro Salad” with Soul and Story
About Me I am a passionate and innovative artist committed to pushing the boundaries of music and connecting with audiences on a profound level. With 17 years of experience in the music industry, I’ve honed my craft and evolved into a versatile and influential artist. Musical Journey My journey into music started young, ignited by watching my grandmother lead the choir and my mother direct her dance group. Since then, I’ve been on a continuous exploration, constantly pushing my creative boundaries and refining my sound. Signature Style My music is characterized by “Afro Salad” – a vibrant mix of Afrobeats, Afrofusion, reggae, and dancehall. I craft sounds rich with storytelling lyrics and infectious melodies, aiming for a deep, emotional connection with my listeners. Notable Achievements Throughout my musical journey, I’ve achieved several notable accomplishments, including collaborations with various artists, from superstars to emerging talents. These milestones have profoundly shaped my identity as an artist and fueled my creative journey. Existing Projects My existing projects include singles like “A Big,” “This Year,” “The Way (Sunshine),” “Ije,” “No Forget,” “Yagiriwa,” “Ebelebe,” “Higher,” and “Body & Soul.” I plan to keep creating more dope sounds for my fans, the “Notchmaniacs.” Influences and Inspirations My artistic influences are diverse, stemming from playing musical instruments like drums and piano and listening to world-class artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Future, Damian Marley, Tems, Asa, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Vybz Kartel, and Tiwa Savage, among others. Discography I’ve released an array of music that reflects my artistic evolution, with notable works including: “This Year” (2020) “The Way” (2020) “Higher” EP (2023) “Afro Salad” EP (2024) Each contributes to a body of work representing my musical exploration and growth. Upcoming Projects I am excited about the future and have a range of exciting projects on the horizon. These upcoming releases reflect my enduring dedication to artistic innovation and my deep connection with my audience. Connect With Me Join me on this artistic journey by following me on: TikTok: @notchmaniacs Snapchat: @notchmaniacs X (formerly Twitter): @iam_notchman (https://x.com/Iam_notchman?t=YhTrybtd6m_YhVGv7Bkiww&s=09) Instagram: @iamnotchman (https://www.instagram.com/iamnotchman/) Facebook: @notchman (https://www.facebook.com/share/16gNCXdVZH/) And also visiting my website: https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q6KBR0eQLbo4MTZP43mYM Feel free to reach out for collaborations, inquiries, or simply to connect and share your thoughts on my music. Thank you so much for being part of my musical world; let’s continue to explore the endless possibilities of music together! Listen HERE
Entertainment – Tup Dugg: Raw Truths from the Streets to the World Stage
Introduction Born and bred in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and now based in India, Tup Dugg (Tonu Kokpa) is a Nigerian Rap/Grime artist whose music is his escape, his language, and his purpose. He delivers raw, versatile, and ever-evolving sound. About Me My name is Tsk, known on the mic as Tup Dugg. Hailing from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, music has always been my escape and purpose. I’m obsessed with the craft, striving to create music that moves people and speaks truths. Now based in India, I’ve sharpened my sound, blending hard rap, trap soul, and Afro-urban bounce, delivering every line with raw purpose. Musical Journey My musical journey started in school, initially to gain confidence among peers. I’ve been making music since then, evolving from wanting to “be cool” to developing a deep passion for Rap. Now based in India, I’ve honed my craft, studying flows and production, and pushing my pen game to new levels, reflecting my versatile and global sound. Signature Style My style is raw, gritty, and straight from the trenches. I tell the truth through my music, drawing from real-life experiences of pain to power. My bold delivery and street-coded flow combine heavy rap energy with Afro-urban bounce. I don’t sugarcoat or play roles—what you hear is the unfiltered, unapologetic, real Dugg sound. Notable Achievements One of my proudest moments was releasing my debut EP, “Dugg Business,” which stamped my name in the underground scene with versatile tracks like “Off Am,” “Dugg Freestyle,” and “Bonjour.” I also dropped impactful singles like “Locked In,” which represents my current focus and control. From gaining streams and building a fanbase from Nigeria to India, I’ve made my mark as an independent artist with a global mindset, performing for diverse audiences and collaborating across borders while staying true to my voice. Existing Projects Singles: “Locked In,” “Off Am” EP – Dugg Business: “Off Am,” “Dugg Freestyle,” “Roller Chick,” “Bonjour,” “Tz Love” Future Plans for My Brand I’m building a brand and a movement. My plans include consistent single drops with strong visuals, releasing a second EP or mixtape, collaborating with artists in Nigeria, India, and the UK, developing a full visual identity, performing at live shows, launching Dugg Season merchandise, building a community of supporters, and sharing behind-the-scenes content. Eventually, I aim to launch a platform to support other raw talents. Influences and Inspirations My artistic influences are a mix of grit, melody, and storytelling. I grew up listening to Lil Wayne, Burna Boy, Drake, Skepta, and Odumodublack, who taught me to own my sound and speak my truth. Their energy, pen game, and confidence shaped my approach, though my delivery remains original—my story is uniquely mine. Discography I’m Tup Dugg, and my music reflects everything I’ve seen and survived, documenting the hustle, pain, wins, and reality of my life. Every track is a chapter: “Locked In” (2025): My latest single, representing focus, discipline, and tunnel vision—real talk over a cold beat. “Off Am” (2025): A raw, aggressive track born from a darker place, pure expression without filters. “Dugg Business” EP (2025): My debut statement, featuring 5 tracks (“Off Am,” “Dugg Freestyle,” “Roller Chick,” “Bonjour,” “Tz Love”) that showcase different sides of my mindset. This is just the beginning of Dugg Season. Upcoming Projects I have amazing projects coming, including an EP slated for August (name TBD) with three tracks, and my first Afrobeat single titled “Amaka.” I have a lot in store for you all! Connect With Me Join me on my artistic journey. Follow me for music drops, freestyles, and behind-the-scenes moments: Instagram: @Tup_duggg TikTok: @tupdug For features and collaborations, contact @owluniversal_1 on IG. Listen HERE
Entertainment – Teedashi: Forging a New Wave with Afro-Trap Fusion
About Me I’m Teedashi, an independent artist from Nigeria, blending Afrobeats, trap, and alternative sounds. I write and direct my own music and visuals, telling raw and emotional stories through sound. I also run my label, Disturbing Africa, releasing music that truly reflects my identity, culture, and vision for a fresh wave out of Africa. Musical Journey My musical journey started young, karaoking artists like Lauryn Hill, Akon, and Future. That’s when I realized I could sing! Since 2019, I’ve been on a wild ride, with a couple of my early songs going viral in my hometown on Audiomack. Signature Style My sound is a fusion of Afrobeats melodies, hip-hop drums, and trap elements. I use these sounds to experiment and give my listeners an experience they didn’t even know they needed. Notable Achievements I’ve been fortunate to secure some international collaborations, working with Maurvice, a Gospel artist from Fort Worth, Texas, and South Africa’s Kid Fest, along with producers like Leekaw. I also have an exciting upcoming collab with Abuja’s own Zilla Oaks. Existing Projects and Future Plans for My Brand Professionally, I’ve released two EPs: “Luv is War- EP,” a collaborative project with sickle cell artist Spotmaq, and “Made in Africa-EP,” my solo effort. In the near future, I plan to collaborate with more artists and producers from across the continent. Influences and Inspirations My music is heavily influenced by notable artists such as Dro Kenji, the Internet Money Crew, Juice WRLD, Swae Lee, Wizkid, and Drake. Discography My catalog includes singles like “Soro,” “The Best” featuring Lablinks, “Blessings” featuring Maurvice, and “2 Capsules.” Upcoming Projects I have a super exciting upcoming project featuring collaborations with Zilla Oaks, PatrickxxLee, J Molley, and Leekaw. I’m incredibly hyped and can’t wait to share these new sounds with you! Connect With Me Connect with me on all social media platforms by searching for @Teedashi! Website: https://divizzion.lnk.to/made-in-africa Facebook: Tee Dashi Instagram: Teedashi Twitter: Tidashi_ Listen HERE
Entertainment – Stoneandjays: Crafting Soulful Stories Through Afrobeats and Rap
Introduction Damilare Abdulrahman Olatunji, known as stoneandjays, is an innovative and dedicated artist whose years of storytelling experience allow him to connect with audiences on a profound emotional and spiritual level. About Me I am an innovative and dedicated artist. Through years of refining my storytelling craft, I’ve learned to connect deeply with my audience, both emotionally and spiritually. Musical Journey My musical journey began in childhood; I’d beat buckets and sing into a tap, imagining it as a microphone. In primary school, I was part of the Cultural Choir and sang during Christmas Carol roles. I’ve been writing for about ten years, perfecting my storytelling, and since then, I’ve continuously explored, learned, and grown in my style. Signature Style My music is known for its calm and soothing sound, a fusion of Afrobeats and rap. My lyrics are non-fiction and storytelling-based. I aim to create music that resonates emotionally with the audience and helps them navigate their daily lives. Notable Achievements (To be updated as new milestones are achieved.) Existing Projects Lust In This EP Future Plans for My Brand My upcoming project is the 2Pac EP. I’m excited to continue evolving my sound and reaching new listeners. Influences and Inspirations My artistic influences include Wizkid, Bnxn, Burna Boy, and Afrobeats culture in general. My inspirations come from life experiences and the amazing nature of life itself. Discography I’ve released several singles, including “My Guys,” “Don’t,” and “Dance (Kese),” each contributing to my growth. My EP, “Lust in This,” was a deeply personal project that marked a significant point in finding my path, and I strive daily to make my music better. Upcoming Projects I’m very excited about what’s next! I’m currently working on a new EP titled “2Pac,” which will be released soon. Connect With Me Connect with me and follow my journey on: TikTok: @stoneandjays YouTube: @stoneandjays Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack: @stoneandjays Listen HERE