Abigail Chams launches the year in fearless form with the official music video for “Your Loss,” an eclectic, high-energy visual that showcases her confidence and versatility. The Tanzanian star is seen relaxing in a swimming pool, dancing in a packed club, and playing pool, all while embodying the song’s unapologetic spirit. Blending Dancehall grooves with Afrobeats flair, the track flips heartbreak into empowerment, underscoring Abigail’s growing global presence and her rise as one of Tanzania’s most exciting musical exports.

Brymo demands attention with Shaitan: Àródan, a spiritually charged and lyrically rich project that showcases his vocal depth and artistic range. The release fuses two bodies of work—Telekinesis, featuring seven English-language tracks, and Àródan, seven Yoruba songs rooted in culture and introspection. Spellbinding in tone and execution, the EP underscores Brymo’s versatility and impact, climbing to No. 8 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart.

R&B veteran Marques Houston, a founding member of IMx with over 25 years in the music industry, has released his latest single “Only Me,” marking his first primary offering of 2026. The smooth, mid-tempo track revisits his signature R&B sound while exploring themes of commitment and growth. The release coincides with his upcoming “It’s All Because of You Experience” tour, bridging his classic hits and current musical direction.

Grammy-nominated producer Bubele Booi debuts as Vumaala with “Show Me,” featuring Issa. Created during isolation, the genre-blending track fuses cinematic orchestration with Afro-house, 3-step, and gqom. The single serves as a vulnerable prayer for clarity, marking a soulful, faith-rooted artistic evolution.

Grammy-winning music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid has reached a last-minute settlement in a lawsuit filed by former Arista Records executive Drew Dixon, who accused him of sexual assault and retaliation in the early 2000s. The agreement was finalized Monday just before jury selection was set to begin. Terms were not disclosed, and Reid’s attorney said the matter was resolved amicably without any admission of liability. Dixon brought the case under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily reopened the statute of limitations for sexual misconduct claims. In a statement, Dixon said she hoped her advocacy surrounding the law would help create a safer music industry, calling the settlement “a ray of light” for survivors. She alleged Reid assaulted her twice in 2001 and later retaliated by humiliating her professionally and undermining her career after she distanced herself from him. The lawsuit detailed claims of ongoing harassment, career sabotage, and emotional distress, asserting that Dixon was ultimately forced out of the industry. The settlement avoids a public trial that was expected to feature high-profile witnesses, including John Legend. Dixon’s attorney praised her role in advancing survivor advocacy, saying her efforts have helped shift power dynamics within the music business.

Teyana Taylor’s awards season is off to a strong start after the actress, singer and dancer won her first Golden Globe on Sunday night. Taylor, 35, took home the award for best supporting actress at the 2026 Golden Globes for her role in One Battle After Another, prevailing over a competitive field that included Emily Blunt, Elle Fanning, Ariana Grande, Amy Madigan and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. Accepting the award, Taylor opened her speech with humor, playfully turning to show off the cutout detail of her dress before growing emotional as the moment set in. “I almost didn’t even write a speech because I didn’t think I was [going to win],” she said, thanking Golden Globe voters “for seeing me and reminding me that purpose always finds its moment.” She also praised director Paul Thomas Anderson (affectionately calling him Paul “Let ’em cook” Thomas Anderson) for his vision and support of the cast. Released in September, One Battle After Another grossed $206.1 million worldwide and has already emerged as an awards-season favorite, winning best picture at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards and earning multiple honors at the AARP Movies For Grownups Awards. Taylor, who will next appear in The Rip and 72 Hours, closed her Golden Globes speech by dedicating the win to “my Brown sisters and little Brown girls watching,” underscoring the personal and cultural significance of the milestone.

Fast-rising Nigerian star Priesst opens the year with “Akonuche,” a purposeful single whose title means “wisdom.” Built on intentional songwriting, the track explores clarity, direction, and success, serving as both a statement and a guide for the year ahead. Already gaining traction, “Akonuche” has surpassed 20,000 Shazams and inspired over 10,000 TikTok creations, signaling a breakout moment and positioning Priesst as an artist to watch in 2026.

Jamaican super-producer Rvssian continues his global run with his new single “What I Like,” featuring Moliy, Ayetian, and Tyga. Built on his Recovery Riddim, the track stretches from Jamaica to Ghana, spotlighting Moliy’s signature sexy flair and smooth delivery. Known for the breakout hit “Shake It To The Max,” Moliy adds Afro-fusion appeal to the juggling, while Ayetian and Tyga round out a polished African–Jamaican crossover poised to resonate worldwide.

R&B boy group 2BYG makes a strong debut with The Yearbook , a nine-track mixtape released last November via Def Jam. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, the four members blend early-2000s R&B and new jack swing influences with modern flair. Showcasing smooth harmonies, falsettos, and heartfelt themes of love and growth, the project positions 2BYG as a new-generation group honoring classic Black boy-band traditions while appealing to Gen Z listeners.