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Nigeria, South Korea Deepen Cooperation in Creative Industry with K-pop-Afrobeat Collaborative Album Underway
Nigeria, South Korea Deepen Cooperation in Creative Industry with K-pop-Afrobeat Collaborative Album Underway
By: Michael Mike
A collaboration between Afrobeat and K-pop is underway as Nigeria and South Korea deepens cooperation in the creative economy, using music as a bridge.
Artistes and producers from both countries staged a landmark Afrobeats–K-pop collaboration in Abuja with the plan to roll out a musical experiment of fusion of both afrobeat and K-pop.
The live production concert, tagged “K Music Production x Afrobeats,” was hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria (KCCN) and brought together Korean vocal coach Seo Yena, music producer and composer Lee Haneung, and Nigerian Afrobeats artiste FirstKlaz for a joint recording and live performance.
The event underscored growing cultural diplomacy between both countries and highlighted the expanding global influence of Afrobeats, which has increasingly shaped contemporary pop sounds across Asia, Europe and North America.
Seo Yena said her journey into Afrobeats began in 2024 when she visited Nigeria as a vocal instructor under a KCCN programme, an experience she described as transformative.
“That was my first real contact with Nigerian music,” she said. “Working with Nigerian singers made me curious about Afrobeats, so I started researching it and thinking about how to connect it authentically with Korean music.”
She explained that the collaboration deliberately blended the relaxed groove and rhythmic flow of Afrobeats with the structured vocal delivery and powerful climaxes typical of K-pop.
“Afrobeats has a calm, flowing feel, while Korean pop focuses on clarity and emotional intensity. The idea was not to overpower one with the other, but to allow both identities to shine,” she said.
Producer Lee Haneung described the partnership as a significant creative challenge and a step toward building a more balanced global music ecosystem.
“Afrobeats is now a major force in world music, and its influence is already present in K-pop,” he said. “But too often it feels like borrowing. I wanted to understand Afrobeats from its source and create something sincere that respects both cultures.”
Nigerian artiste FirstKlaz said he welcomed the collaboration because of his long-standing interest in Korean music, adding that the creative process was seamless.
“I love K-pop, so when I got the invitation, I was excited,” he said. “The studio sessions were full of pure energy. I wrote and sang my parts, and the collaboration felt natural.”
Although a release date has not yet been announced, KCCN confirmed that the collaborative track is being prepared for commercial release and forms part of a broader plan to deepen partnerships between Korean producers and Nigerian artistes.
The Centre said the initiative aligns with efforts by both countries to grow their creative industries, promote cultural exchange and position music as a viable driver of youth employment, innovation and global engagement.
As Afrobeats continues to gain traction worldwide and K-pop expands its global reach, the Abuja collaboration signals a new chapter of cross-continental creativity—one rooted not in imitation, but in mutual respect and shared artistic growth.
Nigeria, South Korea Deepen Cooperation in Creative Industry with K-pop-Afrobeat Collaborative Album Underway
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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