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.
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.
Hafrikplay Partners with AbegNaijaMusic.com to Supercharge Artist Exposure Across Africa and the Diaspora
LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a landmark move that reinforces the commitment to democratizing African music discovery, Hafrikplay, the rapidly growing streaming platform with over 50,000 users, has announced a strategic content and community partnership with AbegNaijaMusic.com, one of Nigeria’s most influential digital music blogs and promotional platforms. This partnership is set to spotlight emerging African artists across blog features, curated playlists, artist spotlights, co-branded events, and live webinars aimed at equipping talent with visibility and tools for career growth. With both platforms deeply rooted in the culture and vibrancy of African soundscapes, this alliance blends distribution with storytelling — and takes it global. “This partnership goes beyond just digital distribution; it’s about giving voice, volume, and validation to the African sound,” said Abolaji Alaka, COO of Hafrikplay. “We’ve built a platform where grassroots meets global. Collaborating with AbegNaijaMusic means our artists won’t just be heard — they’ll be seen, celebrated, and supported in powerful new ways.” From blog premieres to strategic digital PR, and from joint publicity campaigns to co-hosted listening sessions and Twitter Spaces, the Hafrikplay–AbegNaijaMusic partnership provides an immersive promotional engine for creatives. Artists on Hafrikplay will now benefit from dedicated blog features, exclusive interviews, spotlight banners, and frontline editorial support via AbegNaijaMusic’s high-traffic platform and vibrant social channels. “We’ve watched Hafrikplay evolve into a true force for digital equity in the music space,” said Wasiu Monday Oluwatobi, CEO of AbegNaijaMusic. “By combining their reach and tech ecosystem with our deep-rooted influence in the Nigerian music blogosphere, we’re not just helping artists go viral — we’re helping them build careers that last.” Shared Vision, Shared Values Both platforms are committed to empowering independent and unsigned artists, with a deep focus on Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrofusion, Highlife, and the nuanced sub-genres shaping African pop culture today. The collaboration also includes data-driven promotional strategies, playlist placements, and a monthly “Artist to Watch” campaign backed by community fanfare and engagement tools. What Artists Can Expect: Featured blog write-ups, music reviews, and exclusive interviews Playlist and homepage banner placement on Hafrikplay Artist Spotlights in joint newsletters and IG Live sessions Co-hosted digital workshops and artist webinars Joint promo campaigns during release windows As Africa’s creative economy expands at an exponential rate, partnerships like this are essential to closing the gap between raw talent and real traction. Hafrikplay and AbegNaijaMusic.com stand at the forefront — not just distributing content, but curating culture. About Hafrikplay Hafrikplay is a fast-rising African music streaming and artist development platform focused on empowering creatives across the continent. With a growing user base and community-driven features, Hafrikplay supports talent discovery through editorial playlists, smart distribution, and community campaigns. 🔗 www.hafrikplay.com About AbegNaijaMusic AbegNaijaMusic.com is one of Nigeria’s leading digital music blogs, offering fast, authentic, and impactful promotion for artists across the country and diaspora. Known for its influential voice in Nigeria’s entertainment blog culture, the platform reaches thousands of music lovers daily. 🔗 www.abegnaijamusic.com For interviews, media inquiries, or partnership opportunities, contact: 📧 info@hafrikplay.com | 📧 Abegnaijapost@gmail.com