We often get invited to some pretty cool events. But when I received an impromptu invitation to “Get Ready with Music”, an influencer slumber party organised by Spotify and Maybelline, I knew this would be extra special. It promised a unique blend of music and makeup, tapping into the GRWM trend that’s taken over social media. 

The event on Thursday, July 25, 2024, was set to celebrate the powerful synergy between sound and style.

I arrived from Surulere for check-in at the Art Hotel at 2:50 pm — Lagos traffic was light, thank God. The three-year-old gem was the visual delight it promised in its name, large canvases, intricate sculptures and dangling multimedia pieces installed everywhere. I was shown up to my room and immediately received a welcome mixed grill platter.

The room was both spacious and cosy, setting the tone for what lay ahead. I’d dressed for the event at home, so I spent the next five hours watching Netflix movies with my plus one, soaking in the ambiance and excitement.

The event kicked off with a dinner at 8 pm, hosted by an approachable duo in the Big Brother Naija star, Saskay (Tsakute Jonah), and fashion influencer, Nimiie (Ifeoluwa Ogunjebe). From the elevator, we were welcomed into an open foyer where Spotify and Maybelline branded photo booths awaited us. 

Servers in livery were on hand to hand us bubbly flutes from their black trays. As I sipped on champagne adorned with pretty faux eyelashes and a lipstick stain, I remembered my “no alcohol for a year” challenge. Alas, seven months of progress were gone in three sips! 

After several photos with props at the booth, we saw our way into the dinner hall, a long central table set for 30 or more, with burning candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

It was a three-course affair, accompanied by a live performance from Qing Madi, who blessed us with hits like “Ole” — she rapped BNXN’s part, “American Love” and “See Finish.” Her soulful voice and occasional positive affirmation of how beautiful her audience looked, set the perfect backdrop for the evening. As the dinner progressed, the energy only grew, with DJ TGARBS taking over to keep us dancing late into the night.

At 10:41 pm, we returned to our rooms to find surprise gift boxes waiting for us on the bed. Inside were presents from the organisers: a Spotify selfie stick, a Maybelline leather bag filled with makeup products, and a cute ivory Spotify-branded silk pyjama set. We changed into the PJs and headed back to the hall, now transformed into a slumber party paradise with dim pastel lights, fake fog, bean bags, a dessert stand, and a karaoke machine.

From 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., it was all fun and games as everyone’s champagne flutes stayed filled and wooden rows of tequila shots followed. I promise I stuck to my bottle of iced water through it all. We danced, laughed and shot content for the ‘gram. 

The highlight was the karaoke session, with Big Brother Naija star, Vee Iye nailing “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys, and queen of fashion influencing, Nonye Udeogu (This Thing Called Fashion), bringing down the house with “BedRock” by Lil Wayne and his Young Money crew. 

When it was finally my turn, I chose my go-to karaoke song, “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish. But Saskay came over to let me know, unfortunately, our fun time with Spotify and Maybelline had come to an end. My opportunity to show the world my true talent, gone! 

We returned to our room once more and slept soundly.

It wasn’t just fun, though. It was also  about exploring how music influences makeup application, style choices and overall mood. The GRWM trend has taken social media by storm, showing how people around the world use music to enhance their beauty routines. The data shared by Spotify highlights this fascinating intersection:

Over 900 playlists in Nigeria and 900k globally with titles like GRWM, Get Ready With Me, Makeup and Get Ready with Music. In 2024 alone, over 280,000 playlists globally and over 400 in Nigeria were created with these themes. Lagos alone accounted for over 300 of these. The most popular day to stream GRWM playlists globally, in Nigeria, Abuja, and Lagos is Saturday. The peak times are 4 pm globally, 11 am and 12 pm in Abuja, 11 am in Nigeria, and in Lagos.

Interestingly, male listeners create more GRWM playlists than females. The 18-24 age group leads in Lagos, Abuja, and Nigeria, while globally, the 35-44 age group dominates playlist creation. Gen Z and female listeners dominate the audience across all regions, with the 18-24 age group leading in Lagos, Abuja, Nigeria, and globally.

These statistics reveal a lot about how intertwined music and beauty routines have become. Music is not just background noise; the “Get Ready with Music” event by Spotify and Maybelline beautifully captured this essence, demonstrating the transformative power of combining music with daily makeup routines.

As I reflect on the experience, I realise how this collaboration between Spotify and Maybelline created an immersive experience that celebrates this powerful synergy. It’s a reminder of how influential music can be in our daily lives. It was a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the joy of getting ready. 

As we continue to see the rise of the GRWM trend, it’s clear that music and makeup will remain intertwined, each enhancing the other in beautiful and unexpected ways. It was great to be a part of this event showcasing how Spotify and Maybelline are innovatively engaging with the vibrant beauty and music communities in Lagos. 

Cheers to more nights of beauty, beats and unforgettable memories.

The silent disco

The only thing I love more than a party with loud music is one with zero music, headphones on, and everyone listening to whatever they want. While a DJing was jamming inside the event centre, Spotify set up a cute corner outside where we could listen to whatever we wanted on the headphones before we got into the full swing of things.

The photo booths 

There’s nothing worse than going out as a baddie and coming back with zero pictures or videos to document your fit, so I was beyond elated to see the three photo booths Spotify blessed us with. Did I proceed to spend a good amount of time getting acquainted with these photo booths? Yes, I definitely did.

The performances

I’m not even going to lie. I knew this wasn’t a party I wanted to miss when I saw Fave and Shallipopi on the poster. But then I actually saw all the artists perform, and I really do mean it when I say it’s worth the hide and seek my voice is still playing with me.

The drinks

Believe it or not, the best part of the party wasn’t screaming “Men mount” at the top of my voice; it was actually the free drinks. All I had to do was ask for a drink when I walked into the party, and I got this passion fruit cocktail that tasted divine. Of course, I proceeded to have two more cocktails and a couple cups of champagne, but only because I was offered.

The DJ sets

It’s been two days since the party, and I still think about the transitions the DJs gave us. Every single DJ got on the stage with a vengeance, and I absolutely loved it because they kept all of us hyped AF. Sarz if you’re seeing this, call me, please.

The hosts

A party is only ever as good as the hosts, and they did the business. All MIA had to do was get on that stage and give us her legendary dance moves, and my seat never saw me again.

The people 

Lagosians never really need a reason to turn up, but Spotify gave us one, and everyone showed off and out. Everyone was dancing and having the time of their lives. At some point, the crowd formed a circle, and people just started dancing in it.

Hans & Renee

After screaming my lungs out and dancing till my feet almost fell off, I took a well-deserved break and went in search of yet another drink (don’t judge me). Instead, my lactose intolerance and I found the Hans & Renee ice cream stand, and it was worth all the discomfort and belly ache that followed.

The next time Spotify calls, I shall be there. But until then you can find me bopping to Shallipopi on the app.

Here are some interesting things you didn’t know about the most instrumental women to the development of Afrobeats as we know it today.

Weird MC

When Weird MC arrived on the scene, she came rocking a shaved head and oversized street urban wear. Her 1996 debut song, Allen Avenue, was released with a video, making her the first Nigerian artist to do so. She won the first-ever AMEN award for Best Hip-Hop Album (Simply Weird) in 1997 and was the first Afrobeats artist to make an animated music video (Ijoya, 2005). This woman is the coolest since cucumber.

Sasha P

Sasha P is another Afrobeats woman who has accomplished many “firsts”. She was the first Nigerian woman to perform at the World Music Awards in 2008 and was awarded Best Female Artist at the Women in Entertainment Awards in the U.K. the next year. In 2010, Sasha P won the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist. We’re grateful she spent the money for her SAT forms on a studio session. Sacrifice like that is why she’s still recognised as the First Lady of Nigerian Hip-Hop.

Efya

The Ashanti singer might’ve gone viral after her Don’t Judge Me cover in 2013, but before that, there was her Irene & Jane era which came from her first music deal in 2011. Ghanaian artists who’ve won Best Female Vocal Performance at the Ghana Music Awards four times back-to-back can be counted on one palm. Efya has been there, done that.

Waje

Did you know the female vocals on P-Square’s Do Me and Banky W’s Thief My Kele are Waje’s? Apart from being one of the strongest R&B vocalists in Nigeria, she runs a film and TV production company, Hermanes Media — producers of She Is (2019) — with fellow singer, Omawumi. Women making money together >>>>>

Goldie Harvey

Goldie was cool. So cool, only Lady Gaga could touch her when it came to style. The late singer lived her name, with golden hair and all-gold-everything accessories. 

Plus, it wasn’t popular when she came on the scene in 2009 with YorĂšbĂĄ-infused pop music. Her unique style laid the template for the women after her.

Tiwa Savage

Way before Kele Kele Love, Tiwa Savage had a degree from Berklee College of Music, backed up famous OG singers like Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige and George Michael, and wrote for Babyface, Fantasia, and Monica. In 2018, Tiwa Savage became the first woman to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. And don’t forget Tiwa Savage is the woman who performed at the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. Her CV >>>>>

Simi

She started off as a gospel singer. If you were there when Ara Ile (produced by Samklef) dropped, you know what I’m talking about. Her Restless EP was her final crossover to Afrobeats music in 20xx. Today, her catalogue is stacked with seven solid music projects. Simi is also a sound engineer with crisp music mastering and mixing skills. She engineered AG Baby’s first album, Gold.

Tems

As a budding recording artist, having money issues isn’t unfamiliar. Tems began producing her own songs when she couldn’t drop a bag for production, and her vision didn’t align with most producers. For the Broken Ears is proof of her production skills. She handled 90% of it. Tems is also the first woman to win Best International Act at the BET Awards (2022) and the Nigerian with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She’s HER, and she knows it. Can we really blame her for taking all the space and attention when she pulls up at functions?

Ayra Starr

Before Don Jazzy came across her music in 2020, Ayra Starr was a model signed to Quove Model Management. You should see her killing her role as video vixen in Eri Ife’s . Ayra’s story is proof that people don’t just appear on top, they’ve been grinding on the low.

These women aren’t just Afrobeat musicians; their uniqueness and self-application have contributed immensely to the movement.

To learn more cool things about what more Afrobeats women are up to, got you.

When Afrobeats is playing, and people ask what’s in our stew, these are ingredients and condiments.

Beats

An easy way to distinguish Afrobeats is through its heavy percussion, which consists of a drum set and all types of local drums., like Burna Boy’s On the Low and Arya Starr’s Rush, are fantastic examples.
There’s no definite time signature and speed for afrobeats. Although it usually applies a 3-2 or 2-3 rhythm known as clave or bpm of 80 to 100 — the tempo can get slower or faster, like Libianca’s People or Terry G’s Free Madness.

Themes

Afrobeats themes are about everyday experiences — celebratory music for joy, love, money, hustle and even grief.

On CKay’s Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah), which is , the artist persuades a love interest to give her heart to him. Tiwa Savage hasn’t run out of enjoyment narratives and sex positivity while in the same breath reiterating she’s the number-one baddest babe in Africa. Burna Boy’s Last Last mourns the end of his relationship while craving booze and weed as an escape. An artist like Asake often celebrates escaping poverty and his newly-found wealth and success, while someone like Wizkid wants to live a stress-free life with gorgeous women around him. These Afrobeats artists  have vital storytelling skills that make the music unique.

Language

From Lagos to Accra to London to New York or wherever afrobeats blasts out the speakers, the music blends local slang dialects with pidgin and accented English. This delivery is what listeners resonate with.

Samples

A now-prominent afrobeats element is sampling. Sampling is the reuse of a portion of a sound recording in another one. Like Rema sampled Jay-Z’s Dead Presidents on Alien in 2020 or Asake did Jason Heerah’s Mo Capitaine on Yoga. Even one of , Last Last, by Burna Boy sampled Toni Braxton’s He Wasn’t Man Enough.Ěý

A well-infused sample adds freshness and a bit of fun to the music.

Fusion

Sampling shouldn’t be mistaken for genre fusion, another form that makes afrobeats unique. Afrobeats seamlessly infuses local sounds like juju, fuji, and apala and foreign genres like pop, hip-hop, highlife, RnB, reggae and dancehall. Though Burna may disagree, these elements form his .

You can come enjoy the best Afrobeats music with Spotify on 13 October 2023. Fave, Ruger and Bloody Civilian are some of the headliners. To win tickets, visit the and learn some afrobeats trivia.

On September 12, 2023, the 23-year-old ravestar, Rema, emerged as the first African musician to hit with the Calm Down remix featuring Selena Gomez.Ěý

His success isn’t by chance, streaming farm or just big budgets. Rema put in the work to get his billion streams. We dived into his records to find out how he made history with the Selena Gomez-assisted remix, and summarised our research into these seven steps.

Rema consistently delivered

As long as you’re ready to learn and grind this music hustle with a positive attitude, you too could get documented in the as it blazes through history like its new prince, Rema.

Since his Dumebi debut in 2019, Rema’s honed his skills through consistent delivery of music, videos and tours. After winning the Headies’ Next Rated award in the same year he debuted, he’s shown versatility with two EPs, an album and a series of singles.

Worked with producers who understood the mission

and London to give us Calm Down. The three collaborators rearranged the song and polished its layers until it became a hit.
While Calm Down pushed Rema’s album to become the first African album to enter 1 billion streams, the same song put its producers on Billboard 100 Hot Producers’ list.

Promoted the hell out of the song

One part of the job is done when an artist finds the hack to score a perfect afrobeats hit. The rest? You come up with schemes to elevate the song. Enter song promotion.

Rema was and media runs, which continued conversations around the single and generally his music, giving him more exposure.Ěý

Struck while the iron was hot

Barely a month after Calm Down dropped, Rema released his debut album Rave & Roses (March 2022) — one of the biggest debut afrobeats albums. Calm Down is the hottest and biggest song on the album, so it’s logical he chose to remix it.

Rema was The remix was out in five months.

He made his collaborator his friend

From producer to features, tt’s necessary to work with people who see your vision. With Rema and Selena, it wasn’t just business as usual when they planned to remix Calm Down. (Business as usual is when the relationship ends after a featured artist drops their verse. They don’t promote or push the work.)

Selena and Rema were fans of each other’s music before their teams met and began working out the collaboration process. She Runaway, the closing track on Rave & Roses.

Kept pushing

Rema didn’t just stop at releasing a remix. He remained visible online and offline. Calm Down’s remix came out in August 2022 to criticism and acclaim, then it steadfastly climbed the Billboard chart, peaking at number one. The song entered the — setting a record that’s also the first of its kind.

Still pushing the song together

As the song got bigger, we saw them together in the media. Recently, on September 13, 2023, at the MTV Video Music Award, they both received , the first of its category at the event.

You might not have Selena Gomez’s phone number or a solid label backing you, but hard work, consistency and collaboration will always be key ingredients to grow and reach a wider audience. If Rema hadn’t put in the work that got him noticed or fostered the relationship that birthed his most prominent song, Calm Down, he wouldn’t have a billion streams on Spotify.

Winning the Headies Next rated award at 19

In 2019, Rema won the Next Rated award category at the 13th edition of Headies. While receiving his award on stage, he called himself the future of Nigerian music. Fast-forward to this moment, it’s fair to say his prophecy is manifesting.

Raves & Roses success

In April 2023, Rema became with the deluxe edition of his debut album, Raves & Roses. The album hit one billion streams, making it the highest streamed African album of all time; this was the first of its kind on the digital platform.

Nigeria’s most exported on Spotify

In June, Raves and Roses broke its record and set a new one after hitting 1.5 billion streams. By July, Raves & Roses (Deluxe) became a two billi baby.

In August, , which puts him on the same global demand scale with Nigerian jollof and Nigerian men. 

Calm Down (both original and the remix) are top two on most exported Afrobeats songs list.

Performing at Lollapalooza 2023

In August, Remy Boy joined a large number of musicians from all over the world to perform at the 2023  Lollapalooza edition in Chicago. His performance and crowd engagement skills are highly captivating — a superstar doings.

Sitting pretty on Billboard

Rema first climbed the Billboard chart in 2020 with his jam, Woman, peaking at number 15 on the World Digital Sales. His consistency and strategic collaboration pushed him further to the with Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez on April 22, 2023. The same song also catapulted LONDON and Andre Vibez . He’s also the second rated artist on Billboard’s U.S Afrobeats Songs chart.

Headies’ speech and wins

During the Headies’ 16th music award ceremony on September 4th, 2023, Rema delivered a solid speech, charging the Nigerian music industry to unite and show more regards to their fans and the music institutions. On the same night, he went home with three awards (Best Male Artist, African Artist and Digital Artist of the Year). The guest artist on his Calm Down remix, Selena Gomez bagged the International Artist of the Year while the director of the music video of the song (Director K) won the best music video award. 

A winning circle.

1 billion Spotify streams

When Rema released the smashing remix to his hit Calm Down in 2022, reviews and opinions ridiculed his choice of guest artist. Some even said (and still does) that he was desperate for foreign acceptance. But now, the song has hit one billion streams, .

Rema and Afrobeats are the rave of the moments. So are these stars too. All Afrobeats moments are curated for you .

Handi and Wanni 

Not only were the main DJs for the night two gorgeous women who also happen to be twin sisters, I love how easily they got the crowd lit. They would play music then leave their DJ table to come and drop moves on the stage. I loved them so much. They got everyone really hyped up for the party.Ěý

Performances 

I lost my voice from screaming out loud to every song the performers performed. Odumodu Black came on stage and I sang Declan Rice like my life depended on it. Teni came on stage with her best friend— a mascot (a bird wearing a jersey with Teni’s name on it) and her entire performance reminded me of how much of a badass she is at this music thing. My favourite part was when she came down from the stage and started singing in the middle of the crowd. Joeboy was the final performer and I didn’t want him to leave the stage. I just wanted him to keep serenading me like I’m the love of his life.

The DJs 

Sarz came and scattered the dancefloor with his Amapiano afrobeat mix. Every time he transitioned into a new song, people screamed in excitement because it was always a hit. Sarz is really not anybody’s mate. Then DJ Tohbad came and told us that we weren’t done dancing and kept dropping jams upon jams. My feet have still not recovered.Ěý 

Everyone dancing 

I love how everyone was so comfortable and relaxed. We all danced and genuinely had a great time. The Spotify crew went around hyping people while they were dancing. It was like having your own personal hypeman for a bit.Ěý

The food truck

This food truck saved my life. After I used up all my energy dancing, I became crazy hungry. I was so happy that there was a food truck still serving food at midnight. I don’t know if it was the hunger or the adrenaline from all the dancing, but the shawarma I had slapped like a Nigerian mother. More parties need to adopt the concept of selling affordable food till whenever the party ends. Sometimes, Jay’s Diner is too far away.

How close to the stage I was 

One of the highlights of the entire event was how close I was to the stage. I’m talking “I-could-almost-touch-the-performers’-shoes” close. Also, everyone had the same tickets and had equal access to the entire venue, which is rare at Lagos parties. It made the party even more fun, we were all just feeling the music and vibing together.Ěý 

The photobooth 

There was a really cool danfo photo booth that people loved. Spotify was very intentional about the ambience and decor of the venue. Even the food truck matched the theme.  

The event left no doubt that African Heat is the ultimate go-to for all things African music and culture. It proudly showcased Spotify’s strong commitment to promoting the rise of African artists and making sure they have their shining moment in the spotlight.

Don’t believe me? Continue reading, and let me know if I’m reaching. 

Asake 

2022 was your year. You killed it at work and still managed to remain the life of every party you attended. Your vibe is unmatched, and you always know how to have a good time, so people naturally gravitate towards you. While you know many people, you don’t have a lot of actual friends because you’re mysterious like that. There’s also a high chance you asked for a raise this year, and your new salary has everyone at work shook. 

Omah Lay 

You’re a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you’re tearing up the dancefloor, and the next, you’re in the corner of a club, crying or overthinking everything. The best part is you’re not ashamed of being vulnerable. Your mental health and space are very important to you, so you’re cautious of the people you let into your life, even though everyone likes you. 

Ayra Starr 

You’re either peak Gen Z or a millennial who uses slangs like “Purr” and “It’s giving” unprovoked. People underestimate you a lot and complain about your style or taste, but you don’t care because you’re out here living your best life. 2022 was a great year for you, but you’re always gingered for what’s next, so you’ve already started drafting your 2023 goals. No time to waste. 

Burna Boy 

Everyone is always hyping you, and honestly, you deserve it. Can you do with a bit of self-control in your life? Yes. Choosing violence is your favourite thing to do, even when it’s completely unnecessary. You’re great at what you do, but your chaotic nature makes you unpredictable. Hopefully, you’ll learn to calm down in 2023. 

Tems 

You’re a bad bitch and you know it. Everything comes effortlessly to you, and 2022 was your best year career-wise. People are constantly guessing what you’re up to, but you love to move in silence, so all they see is results and not the hard work you put in. You’re humble and love to meditate and shit, but your motto is: “Fuck around and find out,” so you’re not above dragging someone’s child for filth.

The Cavemen

From music to fashion, old-school trends are the hill you’ve chosen to die on. You like to tell people you were born in the wrong generation, even though there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Speaking your native language is your personality trait, but the gag is your cousins from the village don’t rate you because they believe you’re not speaking it correctly. 

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Chike 

Dear, one question: How many weddings did you attend in 2022? You can’t remember? No problem. The money you’ve spent on Aso Ebis this year is enough to buy a Kia Picanto. But if you don’t go to weddings, how will you find your missing rib?  Please, continue listening to Roju and have a good time at the next wedding reception you attend. We love to see it. 

Show Dem Camp

You’re 30+ and you don’t like stress. A good Friday night for you involves a good bottle of wine or keg of palm wine, a nice Netflix documentary and food. You and clubs don’t go well. Even when you try to go out, you end up leaving by 10 p.m. because, once again, 30+. The youth corpers and interns in your office want to be like you when they grow up. 

Dwin, the Stoic 

You’ve been served breakfast multiple times in 2022, but like eba, still you rise. You’re a hardcore romantic who believes in having one soulmate, so you’re constantly on dating apps and Twitter trying to find them. There’s a strong chance you always complain that Igbo babes are wicked. Still, every time you hear the name Ada or Ifunaya, you’re the first person on the queue to submit relationship application letter. 

Wizkid 

You’re the best at what you do, and you know it. You don’t like stress, and you’re the type of person who’ll cut people off when you feel like they’re doing too much. All you want to do is enjoy, date older people and wear outfits that match your shoe. Good for you, boo. 

Cruel Santino

We get it. You’re different and quirky. Let us rest, abeg. 

Kizz Daniel

You like 40+ music but are not ready to admit it to yourself. All the uncles and aunties in your family are obsessed with you because your presence gives them endorphins. You sometimes say offensive things and then act shocked when people call you out on your bullshit. 

Yinka Bernie

Babes, are you okay? Do you need tissue or space? 

Remember, it’s okay to cry and connect with your emotions. It’s only human, and your vulnerability is what makes you fly. 

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