Entertainment
Beatchain deepens emerging market presence with West African launch of WAVVI in partnership with Tom Russell & Y’akoto, Founders of AFROSON1C X
Beatchain, the AI-driven A&R, artist and label services platform for the independent music sector, is expanding into West Africa through a collaboration with British music entrepreneur Tom Russell & artist Y’akoto – Founders of AFROSON1C X – the music, technology and arts platform for the region. The collaboration will see the launch of WAVVI – a data-powered artist discovery and services platform aimed at deepening the infrastructure of West Africa’s music ecosystem.

Starting in Ghana, with expansion plans for Nigeria and beyond, WAVVI will provide artists, labels, A&Rs and music companies with the tools, insights and market access to connect talent from the region with global opportunities.

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The platform builds on Beatchain’s proven white label technology already in use in other fast-growing music markets such as India, bringing scalable solutions to a region with enormous creative potential and rising international influence. The news comes one year after Beatchain’s successful launch of Muzartdisco, in partnership with Radio City India, which has seen more than 20,000 artist sign-ups to date and opportunities for local acts to tour and perform in the UK.
Data-powered talent discovery
WAVVI allows artists to release music to streaming services, run targeted ad campaigns powered by AI, track performance and audience analytics from streaming and social media, and mix and master their tracks using smart tools that reduce costs and enhance sound quality. Its gamified leaderboard offers structured development pathways for talent, with top performers earning rewards such as distribution credits, professional production support or opportunities to perform on international stages.
To meet the specific needs of the West African market, WAVVI will offer locally tailored services. Emerging artists with limited resources who meet certain criteria can distribute one single per month for free, while royalty payments will be made through mobile money wallets – with over 356 million mobile money accounts in West Africa, the fastest adoption rate globally (GSMA).
For labels, A&Rs and music companies, WAVVI’s data-driven discovery and refined filtering tools make it easier to identify and engage with new artists, reflecting the diversity and abundance of talent across the West African region.
Ben Mendoza, CEO of Beatchain, added: “WAVVI marks another major step for Beatchain as we establish ourselves as the technology platform of choice for music industry partners in exciting, high growth music markets. West Africa has the talent, the audiences and the momentum – our job is to provide the technology and the infrastructure to connect them to the world. Working alongside Tom Russell & Y’akoto from AFROSON1C X, we are delivering a platform tailored to the region’s unique needs, engaging artists locally, empowering them and strengthening the broader local music ecosystem.”
“With much of the music industry’s future growth expected to come from emerging markets, the opportunity for local talent, global partners and future investors is incredibly exciting. Our move into West Africa is a further demonstration of the successful implementation of our expansion strategy into these markets and we look forward to accelerating this over the medium term, as we prepare to open our next investment round.”
Tom Russell, Co-Founder of WAVVI and AFROSON1C X, said: “West Africa is bursting with talent, but artists here don’t often have enough access to the networks and infrastructure needed to build a sustainable career in the music business – the systems to support them aren’t in place yet. With WAVVI, we’re introducing critical tools, structure and opportunities to help reach global audiences, while also laying the foundations for a stronger, fairer, more connected West African music industry. AFROSON1C X supports the same mission locally, as part of its own wider programme.”
According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Sub-Saharan Africa – including West Africa – was the second fastest growing recorded music market globally in 2024 (+22.6%), driven by both local consumption and export success. Global recognition for artists like Rema, Tems, Burna Boy and Wizkid have helped garner international attention for the region.
Alongside WAVVI and other industry partners, AFROSON1C X is advancing its own initiatives to support the regional ecosystem, including the AFROSON1C X Festival and Industry Conference in Accra in January 2026 – a two-day event designed to showcase new talent and foster industry connections between West Africa and the global music industry. The inaugural edition will feature Nigerian duo The Cavemen as headliners. Plans are also underway for the AFROSON1C X Academy, a permanent education hub offering music and tech courses, a recording studio and partnerships with local and international institutions to support long-term artist development.
Entertainment
Shatta Wale hints at contesting Ablekuma South seat as independent candidate in 2028
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.
He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.
According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.
“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.
Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.
He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.
“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.
The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.
“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.
He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.
“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.
Entertainment
Legendary musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi Accuses Kuami Eugene of Song Theft
Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.
According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.
Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.
“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.
He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.
When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.
However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.
“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.
Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.
He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.
“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.
Entertainment
Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba
Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.
In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.
“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.
Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.
Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.
Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).
The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.
Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.
Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.

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