Music

Bruno Mars Set to Release First Solo Album in 10 Years

Published

6 months ago

7 January 2026

Photo Credit - Instagram

Bruno Mars is set to release his first solo album in 10 years, ending a long wait for fans across the globe, including South Africa. The Grammy-winning artist confirmed that the project is complete on January 5 via X (formerly Twitter), simply stating, “My album is done.” This marks his first solo studio album since 2016’s 24K Magic, which produced chart-topping hits and earned multiple Grammy Awards. The announcement has already generated excitement among South African music fans eager to hear new material from one of pop and R&B’s most influential performers.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

Although he has not released a solo album in this period, Mars has remained active in music. In 2021, he collaborated with Anderson .Paak to form Silk Sonic, releasing An Evening With Silk Sonic, which received critical acclaim and won several Grammys. He has also featured on high-profile collaborations, expanding his reach beyond solo projects. These activities have kept him relevant while building anticipation for his next full-length release.

Details about the upcoming album remain limited. Mars has not revealed a title, tracklist, release date, or featured collaborators. However, given his past work, the album is expected to attract attention both locally and internationally. Fans have expressed excitement on social media, reflecting the artist’s enduring influence in the pop and R&B landscape.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

The ten-year gap between solo albums is unusual in contemporary music, where frequent releases are common. Mars’ approach has been measured, allowing each project to carry more weight and creating anticipation for his return. Observers note that this strategy has kept his music in public consciousness without overexposure.

Although the release date and promotional details are yet to be confirmed, industry patterns suggest that a lead single may precede the album, followed by performances and media appearances. Based on his track record, the album is likely to make a notable impact on charts and streaming platforms worldwide, including South Africa, where Mars has a strong following.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

Fans and music enthusiasts in South Africa and across the continent have been eagerly awaiting this announcement. Mars’ ability to produce commercially and critically successful music has established him as one of the few artists whose return can generate widespread attention after a long hiatus. The new album promises to be an important addition to his catalogue and a major moment for pop music in 2026.

Up Next

Trevor Noah Returns as GRAMMY Host as Fela Kuti Makes History with Lifetime Achievement Award

Don't Miss

Mariah the Scientist Delivers an Electrifying Performance at the WAV Festival

Click to comment

Music

Beyoncé Releases ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ in Surprise Release

Published

6 days ago

8 July 2026

Tega Ekeri

Beyoncé - Instagram

Beyoncé has released ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ without prior announcement, giving fans their first new solo song since 2024’s Cowboy Carter. The track arrived over the Fourth of July weekend in the United States and quickly drew attention across streaming platforms and social media.

The release also launches the 20th anniversary celebrations for B’Day, Beyoncé’s second solo studio album, which was released in 2006 and featured hits including Irreplaceable, Déjà Vu and Ring the Alarm. According to information released alongside the song, Morning Dew (Donk) was recorded during the B’Day sessions but did not make the final track list. It will now appear on the album’s upcoming anniversary edition, nearly 20 years after it was first recorded.

Beyoncé – Instagram

The song reunites Beyoncé with longtime collaborators Pharrell Williams, The-Dream and Darius Dixon, who share writing credits. Production was handled by Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams.

To accompany the release, Beyoncé shared a lyric video featuring archival footage filmed by photographer and director Cliff Watts during the B’Day era. The black-and-white visuals show the singer during a 2007 photo shoot, linking the newly released track to the period in which it was originally recorded.

Beyoncé – Instagram

Rumours about a song titled Donk had circulated for years after references to the track appeared in music industry databases, but it was never officially released. Its arrival resolves long-running speculation surrounding the recording while adding another chapter to the B’Day anniversary celebrations.

The release also comes as fans continue to speculate about Beyoncé’s next studio project. Following Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, many have been expecting the third instalment of her planned trilogy. While Morning Dew (Donk) is a previously unreleased recording from the B’Day sessions rather than a preview of a new musical direction, it arrives at a time when interest in her next project remains high.

Beyoncé – Instagram

By opening the B’Day anniversary celebrations with an unreleased recording from the vault, Beyoncé has revisited an important chapter of her career while giving listeners a chance to hear a track that remained unfinished business for nearly two decades.

Music

Tyla Becomes First Artist to Spend 100 Weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Chart

Published

7 days ago

7 July 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Tyla has reached another career milestone by becoming the first artist to spend 100 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. This feat shows Tyla’s growing influence in the world’s biggest music market. The record was confirmed after her latest hit, Is It Love, climbed to the top of the chart.

The Billboard chart was launched in 2022 through a partnership between Billboard and Afro Nation, it used streaming activity, digital sales and the data to arrive at the result. The chart is used to measure African music’s appeal in the American market. To achieve such a feat, the artist needs huge listener engagement. According to Chart Data, she has double the #1 of her closest competitors.

Photo: Instagram

Tyla’s record breaking run is because of her numerous successful singles, not just a single hit. Her single, Water, remained at No. 1 in the U.S. Afrobeats chart for 55 weeks. Also, the success of Push 2 Start, Chanel, and now Is It Love contributed to her historic 100 week total.

Tyla’s success is a testament of her talent. In recent years, Afrobeats and amapiano have featured on international streaming platforms and music festivals. Her dominance shows that African artists are no longer pushovers.

Photo: Instagram

The record came at a time Tyla’s second studio album, A Pop, is gathering international momentum. With four No. 1 songs in the U.S. She has raised the benchmark for future artists on the chart. Her latest achievement is a landmark moment for South African music and the wider African music industry.