Author: Edward

Prediction season is in full swing, and Amazon Music has joined the fray by highlighting the emerging artists it expects to make waves in 2026. The streaming service has named 49 artists globally, showcasing a mix of familiar faces and exciting new talent. Some picks were obvious early standouts, like Skye Newman and Ejae (known from K-Pop’s Demon Hunters), while the broader list reflects a wide spectrum of genres and backgrounds. Amazon Music isn’t just offering predictions—it has the tools to help turn them into reality. This year’s “Artists to Watch” will receive support across flagship playlists, in-app features, out-of-home…

Spotify’s ongoing trend of raising subscription prices has now reached the United States. Following its August 2025 announcement that prices would rise outside the US, fans and industry watchers were left wondering when American users would see the same adjustment. Yesterday, Spotify confirmed it: Premium subscriptions in the US will increase by $1, from $11.99 to $12.99 per month. The hike also applies to Estonia and Latvia. This marks the third US price increase in four years, following rises from $9.99 to $10.99 in July 2023 and another $1 bump in June 2024. Despite these changes, Spotify has not reported…

TuneCore is entering a new chapter following a major leadership change at the Believe-owned distribution company. Andreea Gleeson has announced that she is stepping down from her role as CEO of TuneCore and transitioning into a Strategic Advisor position at Believe, the platform’s parent company. The news was shared in an internal memo to staff on Wednesday, January 14, where Gleeson described the move as a mutual and carefully planned decision. After spending a decade with TuneCore, she explained that both she and Believe agreed the timing was right for a transition, with the company now firmly positioned for continued…

Early next week, Lagos will become a creative meeting point for French and Nigerian songwriters coming together for a new cross-cultural collaboration. The writers will gather under the guidance of Mavin Records, the French collecting society Sacem, and the French Embassy in Nigeria for the first edition of the Afrocroiser writing camp. Running from January 18 to January 25, the seven-day camp will take place at Mavin’s studios and bring together a group of experienced creatives with impressive résumés. Participants include songwriters who have worked with major artists such as Aya Nakamura, Jason Derulo, Lil Baby, Rema, Ayra Starr, and…

2026 is already shaping up to be a huge year for K-pop on the world stage. With BTS confirming a brand-new album and an ambitious 79-date world tour, the genre’s global influence shows no signs of slowing down. Adding even more excitement to the mix, fellow South Korean superstars Blackpink are officially back in action. The group are currently in the middle of their Deadline world tour, with dates confirmed through January 26 in Hong Kong. Alongside the tour, Blackpink are preparing to release a mini-album of the same name, set to arrive on February 27. Physical editions of the…

The global rise of Indian and South Asian music has brought major streaming numbers and growing international attention, but for many artists, that success has not fully translated into earnings. Despite their music reaching listeners around the world, royalties have often fallen through the cracks. A new partnership between Kobalt and Madverse Music is aiming to change that. Madverse Music, a regional distribution, publishing, and marketing company, works with more than 150,000 artists and labels across India and South Asia. Through its new collaboration with Kobalt, Madverse creators will now gain access to global publishing administration, royalty collection, metadata management,…

Ciara is back in Benin, and this time, the moment feels bigger, deeper, and more symbolic than ever. In early January 2026, the Grammy winning singer returned to the country to take the stage at Vodun Days, marking her first major public appearance in Benin since officially becoming a citizen just months earlier. Her presence carried added weight following her naturalisation in July 2025, which came through a legal framework designed to recognise people of African descent whose ancestors were forcibly taken from the continent during the transatlantic slave trade. Managed through the My Afro Origins platform, the initiative reflects…

After eight years of anticipation, A$AP Rocky finally returns with DON’T BE DUMB, a project that feels both deliberate and boldly expressive. This is not just a new album, but a statement. Rocky steps back into the spotlight with renewed confidence, reminding listeners why his voice continues to matter across music, culture, and style. The excitement surrounding the release has been impossible to ignore. Before its official drop, the album moved more than 130,000 vinyl units and secured the number one spot as the most pre-saved hip hop album on Spotify, pulling in over one million saves. Those numbers reflect…

J. Cole has officially begun the rollout for what could become one of the most significant albums of his career. Earlier today, the rapper revealed that The Fall Off will be released on February 6, a moment that instantly stirred excitement among fans. He followed the announcement by dropping the project’s first official single, giving listeners an early taste of what’s to come. The track, titled Disc 2 Track 2, arrives with a deliberately unfinished name, suggesting it may not reflect the final version that appears on the album. That choice has already sparked speculation, with many fans wondering whether…

The MOBO Awards have revealed their 2026 nominees, setting the tone for what promises to be a standout celebration of Black music and culture. Scheduled for March 26 in Manchester, the ceremony will take over the Co-op Live Arena, bringing together some of the most influential and exciting names across UK music. As MOBO celebrates its 30th anniversary, this year’s nominations reflect both legacy and the future. At the top of the list are Little Simz, kwn, Olivia Dean, and Jim Legxacy, each securing four nominations. Jim Legxacy has earned recognition across major categories including Best Male Act, Best Newcomer,…