Hafrikplay At Moonshot 2025: The Rise of a Creative-Tech Powerhouse
A Breakout Moment at Moonshot 2025 In October 2025, Lagos played host to Moonshot by TechCabal, a gathering of Africa’s boldest innovators in tech and creativity. Among the buzz of the event was the D4D Hub Creative Economy Award, a pitch competition spotlighting creative-tech startups. Out of over 200 applicants, Hafrikplay – a Nigerian-born music-tech startup – emerged as a standout finalist. It clinched a top-ten finish in the contest, earning recognition and visibility among the continent’s brightest rising ventures. For Hafrikplay, the moment was more than a win — it was a confirmation that the work of building infrastructure for Africa’s creatives is being seen, valued, and celebrated. From the pre-accelerator to the main conference, Hafrikplay’s presence was a force. Its pitch struck a chord by addressing a pressing issue: Africa’s independent artists are hungry for fair monetization and infrastructure in an industry long dominated by foreign platforms. Hafrikplay isn’t just another streaming app; it is building Africa’s first end-to-end creative economy infrastructure, a platform for music, video, events, distribution, and commerce, all in one place. With over 40,000 African music artists and 100,000 active users, the momentum is undeniable. What Sets Hafrikplay Apart Hafrikplay’s vision is rooted in an ecosystem-first approach. Rather than isolating audio streaming as a standalone product, the company has built an integrated suite of platforms and services tailored to the needs of African creatives: Hafrikplay: The core platform, enabling ad-free streaming, direct artist uploads, and community-led discovery of new African sounds. Hafrik Distro: A distribution arm that helps artists get their music on 150+ digital stores and global platforms, while retaining fair royalties and access to real-time data. Hafrik TV: A video streaming extension focused on music videos, documentaries, web series, and independent African film, offering visibility to filmmakers and visual storytellers. Frikz: A wallet-powered social experience that allows fans to tip creators, buy digital experiences, and support events, all built into the ecosystem. At the heart of Hafrikplay is a wallet-based monetization model that puts power in the hands of the creator. Artists earn instantly from streams, ticket sales, and content purchases. Payouts are direct. No middlemen. Transparent and sustainable. But what truly sets Hafrikplay apart is not just the tech — it’s the culture. By the Culture, For the Culture Hafrikplay is proudly born of West Africa, where the hunger for digital content and cultural ownership is highest. Its headquarters in Nigeria, Africa’s cultural epicenter, gives it strategic and symbolic advantage. The startup doesn’t just serve the creative industry; it lives inside it. It understands the pulse of African youth, the nuance of genre, the local slang, the visual aesthetic. Where many platforms view Africa as a market, Hafrikplay sees Africa as home. That means its editorial voice, artist curation, and product decisions are steeped in authenticity. From spotlighting genres like Highlife, Alte, and Bongo Flava, to empowering creators to host virtual concerts or launch ticketed premieres — Hafrikplay is building with the community, not just for it. The Infrastructure Play Africa’s creative economy has long suffered from fragmentation. Artists jump between platforms to stream, distribute, promote, monetize, and collaborate. Hafrikplay is solving that with a centralized creative infrastructure, where tools, talent, and technology converge. This infrastructure vision is not just ambitious — it’s necessary. By integrating streaming, ticketing, video, digital wallets, and artist discovery in one platform, Hafrikplay is reducing friction and boosting value retention inside the continent. No more value leaks. No more fragmented journeys. Just one home for Africa’s next billion-dollar creative class. Forward Momentum With a growing user base and an expanding catalog, Hafrikplay is now raising a $1 million Pre – Series A to scale its platform, sign key licensing deals, expand into new regions, and fuel product innovation. The team has already secured partnerships with MTN Nigeria, Atlas Bank, and DataMellon, among others, and counts seasoned industry leaders like Olisa Adibua among its advisors. From Lagos to Accra, Kigali to Cape Town, Hafrikplay is fast becoming the central nervous system for Africa’s creative economy. Its mission is not just to build a platform, it’s to build prosperity for the entire ecosystem: artists, videographers, event curators, fans, and future entrepreneurs. At Moonshot 2025, Hafrikplay made its mark. The next chapter is already being written, and it’s one of scale, ownership, and cultural power. Hafrikplay is not just a product. It’s a movement. And Africa is ready.
Underground to Unstoppable: BTEN’s ‘Omo Ologo’ Concert Ignites Sagamu
Early Beginnings: Abeokuta’s Musical Prodigy Babatunde Joseph Omolaja, better known as BTEN, embodies the classic rise of an underground talent turned hometown star. The Afro-fusion artist’s journey began over a decade ago in Abeokuta, where he started singing at the tender age of 10. Those early years saw BTEN honing his craft independently, blending hip-hop and R&B influences into what he calls a “Hyper Realistic” sound uniquely his own. During his university days at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, BTEN was already recording music and had released three projects (the latest being The Beast In Me in 2022). Through it all, he remained unsigned to any major label, relying on a grassroots following built through local shows and authentic engagement with his community. This organic, community-driven growth has been key to BTEN’s rise , from open-mic events in Abeokuta to headlining concerts in Ogun State, marking him as one of the region’s fastest-rising stars poised for the spotlight. Independence Day in Sagamu: A Concert for the Community BTEN (center, in white) and fellow performers energize the Sagamu crowd with a dynamic stage show. Sagamu’s Akarigbo Hall was packed wall-to-wall on the night of October 1, 2025, as fans poured in to witness their hometown hero live in concert. Billed as the “Omo Ologo” concert – a name meaning “glorious child” in Yoruba – the event doubled as a celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and a triumphant homecoming for BTEN. Over a thousand fans filled the venue, waving Nigerian flags and chanting BTEN’s name in anticipation of a night to remember. When the lights dimmed and the first beat dropped, the atmosphere became electric: BTEN burst onto the stage to deafening cheers, delivering a high-energy performance and belting out hit after hit to the delight of the crowd. The setlist spanned his genre-blending catalog, from soulful R&B ballads to bass-thumping Afrobeats, each song punctuated by BTEN’s charismatic stage presence and heartfelt anecdotes about his journey. It wasn’t just a concert – it felt like a cultural moment for Sagamu, uniting people across generations in pride for one of their own. Highlights of the “Omo Ologo” Concert: A Sold-Out Crowd: Over 1,000 enthusiastic fans packed into Akarigbo Hall, turning the venue into a sea of lights and energy as Sagamu celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with BTEN. Star-Studded Guest Performers: BTEN was joined by a lineup of fellow rising stars. Guest artists like Mr Bee and T Famous, along with some of Ogun State’s finest creatives, hit the stage to support the homegrown talent. Their surprise appearances and collab performances amplified the night’s excitement and sense of unity. Interactive Fan Experiences: This concert was as much about the fans as the artist. Attendees enjoyed a glamorous red carpet pre-show, posed for photos, and participated in fun trivia games that tested their knowledge of BTEN’s lyrics and Nigerian music culture. Laughter and cheers filled the hall even before the main act, setting a festive mood. BTEN’s Electrifying Performance: The star of the show delivered in style. Backed by a live band and energetic dancers, BTEN gave an electrifying performance, mixing his well-known tracks with fresh unreleased material. He belted out song after song with palpable passion, often pausing to let the audience sing the choruses back to him. In one emotional moment, BTEN thanked the crowd for believing in him since his humble beginnings, bringing many in the audience to happy tears. Community Vibes & Unity: The entire night felt like a community block party elevated to concert scale. Friends, family, and even local dignitaries were spotted in the crowd. Whether it was youths dancing or elders nodding along, everyone was swept up in the music. The concert truly became “a celebration of music, entertainment, and community,” reminding all in attendance of “the power of talent and perseverance” when an artist stays true to his roots. Hafrikplay’s Amplified Support & Documentary Release Behind the scenes, BTEN’s independent success has been amplified by forward-thinking platforms that believe in grassroots talent. Hafrikplay, a pan-African music streaming startup, served as the official sponsor of the “Omo Ologo” concert – and they didn’t stop at just writing a check. “At Hafrikplay, we’re more than sponsors , we’re curating the official playlist, powering trivia games, producing a documentary, and covering the red carpet,” the company COO, Abolaji Talib Alaka explained in the lead-up to the show. Indeed, Hafrikplay’s team was on-ground all evening, ensuring fans stayed engaged and every magical moment was captured on camera. Working alongside local media partner The Crave Pod on the red carpet, they helped shine a spotlight on not only BTEN but also the vibrant Sagamu creative scene. “Because artists like BTEN deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated,” Hafrikplay noted, underscoring its mission to uplift emerging African acts. This hands-on approach aligns perfectly with Hafrikplay’s ethos as a platform “created to give upcoming artists the spotlight they deserve”– BTEN being a prime example. The result of this partnership is a full concert documentary that brings the “Omo Ologo” experience to the screen. Filmed in partnership with production house MillionDollar Ideas Ltd and edited to encapsulate the night’s energy, the documentary offers an intimate look at BTEN’s journey and the Sagamu community that nurtured his rise. From backstage preparations and candid fan interviews to the on-stage fireworks, viewers get to relive every highlight. The documentary is now available exclusively on HafrikTV, Hafrikplay’s new video streaming platform, allowing a wider audience to feel the magic of that Independence Day concert. For BTEN, this is yet another milestone – a chance for his story to inspire others beyond the concert hall. As BTEN’s momentum continues to build, one thing is clear: his bond with his home state remains at the heart of his artistry. In an era when many chase quick fame, BTEN’s steady, community-rooted climb is a refreshing reminder of the power of authenticity and local support. Ogun State has a new musical ambassador, and his name is BTEN, a once-underground kid from
Hafrikplay Celebrates Victory at the Futuremakers Women in Tech Nigeria Accelerator Showcase
Music Bussiness, News November 10, 2025 No Comments 2:50 pm Lagos, Nigeria — November 10 , 2025 The Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi was filled with brilliance, ambition, and sisterhood as the Futuremakers Women in Tech Nigeria Accelerator Programme (Cohort 6) hosted its graduation and final showcase ceremony. The event celebrated 12 exceptional female founders building technology-enabled solutions across multiple sectors in Nigeria , each demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a commitment to transforming lives and industries. The programme, powered by Standard Chartered Bank in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and Village Capital, marked the culmination of a three-month accelerator designed to strengthen and scale women-led startups through business advisory, mentorship, capacity development, and investor readiness support. Among the standout ventures of the evening was Hafrikplay, a Pan-African music streaming and creative economy platform, co-founded by Omobosola Karimat Alaka. Hafrikplay was announced as one of the Top 5 winning startups, recognized for its innovative model that empowers independent African creators with fair monetization tools, community-driven discovery, and culturally relevant digital access. A Gathering of Influence, Leadership, and Purpose The ceremony was attended by representatives from Standard Chartered Bank, EDC faculty and leadership, investors, ecosystem enablers, and members of the media. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Fatumata Soukouna Coker, Chairman of CreditRegistry and Afrinvest Securities Limited, challenged the founders to build boldly and lead with confidence: “Your network is a strategic asset. Your time, your voice, your story — these are currencies. Be intentional about partnership. Be intentional about value. The business grows when the leader grows.” Her message set the tone for a gathering rooted not just in celebration — but in elevation. Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of EDC, spoke reflectively about the programme’s journey from Cohort 1 to Cohort 6, highlighting how the Women in Tech initiative has helped shape a growing community of forward-thinking female innovators across Nigeria. She reaffirmed EDC’s commitment to continuing to invest in women founders building high-impact solutions. The evening also featured a fireside conversation between David Lanre Messan and Chioma Ukpabi on “Collaboration Amongst Female Founders.” The dialogue reinforced the importance of shared leverage and collective advancement, urging women to build alliances rather than operate in silos. A Defining Moment: Hafrikplay’s Founder Speaks for the Cohort Representing the entire cohort, Omobosola Karimat Alaka, CEO and Co-Founder of Hafrikplay, delivered the official Thank You Speech — a powerful, heartfelt reflection that drew admiration from the room: “This programme has reshaped how we think, how we build, and how we lead. The learning was not only technical — it was personal and transformative. To Standard Chartered, EDC, Village Capital, and our business advisors — thank you for believing in women who build.” She went on to celebrate her fellow founders: “To every woman in this cohort — your work matters. Your vision matters. You are building the future of industries, culture, infrastructure, and community. Today, we rise together.” As Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder of Bumble, once said: “The future of business is female. The future of tech is female. The future is ours to build.” In a moment that electrified the room and spoke to the heart of shared empowerment, Karimat announced that Hafrikplay will be extending a $800 support contribution to the remaining seven startups who were not among the grant recipients — a gesture symbolizing collaboration, solidarity, and women lifting women. “When women build, we don’t just create companies — we create ecosystems. We open doors, we give others room to stand, and we rise together.” The audience erupted in applause — a defining emotional highlight of the celebration. A Spectacular Close The evening concluded with handshakes, warm embraces, photos, champagne toasts, and meaningful networking — the kind that signals not an ending, but the beginning of new partnerships and shared journeys. The Women in Tech Programme continues to reaffirm one truth: Women are not just participating in the African tech revolution — they are leading it, shaping it, and scaling it. And Hafrikplay’s win is not just symbolic — it is a signal of a creative-tech future built in Africa, for Africa, and by Africans. About Hafrikplay Hafrikplay is a Pan-African digital music and cultural streaming platform empowering independent African creators with fair monetization, data insights, and global audience access. The platform blends music discovery, distribution, and community engagement to build the digital infrastructure of the African creative economy.
OKAL UNVEILS VISUALIZER FOR “KNOW (IDK)” EXCLUSIVELY ON HAFRIK TV
PRESS RELEASE OKAL UNVEILS VISUALIZER FOR “KNOW (IDK)” EXCLUSIVELY ON HAFRIK TVAfter a heartfelt three-month run of over 20,000 streams on HafrikPlay, the soulful anthem gets a stunning visual experience. LAGOS, NIGERIA — October 31, 2025 — Rising Afro-soul sensation Okal continues to carve her mark in the African music scene with the exclusive release of the visualizer for her single “Know (IDK)”, now streaming only on Hafrik TV. 🎥 Watch exclusively here: https://tv.hafrik.com/v/LzeCAS Originally released three months ago on HafrikPlay, “Know (IDK)” quickly captured hearts with its raw emotion and vulnerability, racking up over 20,000 streams and becoming one of the most resonant heartbreak songs on the platform.🎧 Stream the audio exclusively on HafrikPlay: https://hafrikplay.com/track/IxF7qzN1Wvcexqj/play Written by Omobosola Karimat Alaka (Okal), the track tells a story of pain, self-discovery, and hope — a reflection on love lost, healing, and the courage to love again. Okal’s soulful delivery, layered with honesty and gentle strength, makes “Know (IDK)” a deeply relatable anthem across generations. The visualizer, shot and directed by Stonecode Films and edited by Paradoks Fire, visually extends the emotional universe of the song — blending expressive storytelling with Afrocentric tones, warm lighting, and poetic transitions. It’s more than a visual; it’s an experience that mirrors Okal’s artistic evolution and emotional depth. “‘Know’ is about embracing vulnerability and trusting that love will find you again — even after the hardest heartbreaks,” says Okal. “It’s therapy in melody, and I’m so glad people have connected with it this deeply.” As one of the fast-rising voices in contemporary Afro-soul, Okal continues to represent the new wave of creative African women using music as a tool for healing, empowerment, and storytelling. With “Know (IDK)”, she bridges emotion and artistry — reaffirming her place as a voice of truth and authenticity in modern African music. About OkalOkal is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and Global Talent Arts & Culture Ambassador whose sound blends Afro-soul, R&B, and heartfelt storytelling. Her music explores themes of love, resilience, and identity, resonating deeply with across generations, late bloomers, Gen Z, Millennials, and lovers of authentic African artistry. Watch “Know (IDK)” Visualizer Exclusively on Hafrik TV:👉 https://tv.hafrik.com/v/LzeCAS Stream “Know (IDK)” Audio on HafrikPlay:👉 https://hafrikplay.com/track/IxF7qzN1Wvcexqj/play
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.