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Modaculture’s Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

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It’s the end of the year and we are back with our annual list of the most-read stories on themodaculture.com. This list comprises stories with the most impressions on Google and traffic on our website. Why don’t you take the holiday season to catch up on them? Or, give them another read if you have already. Explore the most-read stories of 2024!

The Most-Read Stories of 2024

1. 2024 AMVCAs: The Nigerian Designers Behind the Iconic Pieces

Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

Apart from occasional themed movie premieres and certain fashion shows, only a few events in the Nigerian and African arts and entertainment scene give us memorable fashion moments. However, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) stands tall among them. Every year, this event awards outstanding performances, and remarkable people in the African film industry, leaving us with outfits and fashion choices that spark conversations. Under specific themes, we witness a wondrous spectacle of long-time efforts adorning the AMVCAs red carpet. 

However, behind these looks are unsung heroes who have invested their talent, hard work and passion for their clients. For them, the AMVCA is a special night to bring their vision to life through the fashion styles of celebrities. These artists make statements, break norms, and express representations through outfits which give the AMVCA the pomp and pageantry it needs. 

Read More Here.

2. 5 Popular Foreign Songs That Sampled Nigerian Music

If there’s one thing many Nigerians can collectively concur on, it’s the fact that music stands proudly as the Nation’s heartbeat. Its piercing brilliance, moving beauty, and rich cultural essence are a few of the numerous reasons it holds a special place in the lives of Nigerians, both at home and abroad. Over the past few years, the rise of Afrobeats has given Nigerian music the loudest global voice the country has experienced in decades. 

In light of this resurgence, many Nigerian artists are remodelling how pop music, among other genres, is perceived globally. Musicians worldwide now find inspiration in the rich vaults of sound that contain Nigeria’s musical past and present. Through sampling the diverse indigenous genres from Afrobeat to Apala, Nigerian music has found another way to have groundbreaking moments in the global music scene. 

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3. The Best 2024 Summer Style Inspo for Black Men

Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024
Cr.: Instagram/@sulsworld IG

Summer is the driest and sunniest time of the year after winter’s dry cold or Harmattan’s dusty breeze. This is a season when your long thick trench coats go back into hibernation and your shorts and linen wear come out to play.

Looking for what you can wear without breaking a sweat this summer?

Here, look at our carefully curated summer stylish fits for the year.

Read More Here.

4. 10 Fresh Reads by Nigerian Female Writers You Should Add to Your TBR

10 Fresh Reads by Nigerian Female Writers You Should Add to Your TBR

If there’s one thing the Nigerian literary community gifted the world in 2023, it’s an array of stellar books written by women, which further cements the fact that Nigerian female writers are a force to be reckoned with in the literary scene, both home and globally. 

Women writers such as Chika Unigwe, Ukamaka Olisakwe, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, and Bisi Adjapon accomplished literary feats with their books, further putting Nigeria on the global map. Their books reflect the unique experiences of Nigerian women around the world, and through their works, they’ve taught women that their voices carry weight and that their light is one that the darkness of patriarchy should never dim. 

2023 saw the publication of some fascinating and perceptive female written works that have received well-earned acclaim in the African literary scene. A great instance of that is the amazing feat by the author of the critically praised debut novel Stay With Me, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. Her second book, A Spell Of Good Things, found a well-deserved place on the 2023 Booker Prize longlist. With this book, which explores the political corruption and socio-economic divide in Nigeria, she made history as the only African on the 2023 Booker Prize longlist. 

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5. Meet the 7 Dynamic Black Models Shaping Global Runways in 2024

Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

For a long time now, Africa has undoubtedly influenced fashion trends and designs globally, swiftly and consistently positioning itself as a source of inspiration for many stakeholders in the industry. From fashion designers to creative directors, the continent continuously churns out innovative and revolutionary works year after year. Black models are also no exception here. Due to their blend of grace, wit, and elegance, several Black models have become well-known and successful over the past 20 years, demonstrating Africa’s abundance of talented individuals.

These stunning African faces have dominated global advertisements and ambassadorial deals, glittered on magazine covers, and glistened on the runways of New York, London, Paris, and Milan, to mention a few. Many have also raised awareness of up-and-coming designers in their native nations. All these and more show that Black models have not only taken over catwalks and advertising campaigns but have also redefined beauty standards and modified the lens through which fashion is perceived globally. 

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6. On Modern Dating; Love Bombing, Breadcrumbing, Situationships & Other Drugs

Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024
A scene from the 1997 Black romantic comedy-drama film, Love Jones

Last year, I watched the critically acclaimed romantic comedy; Love Jones. It follows the story of Nina (Nia Long) and Darius (Larenz Tate) whose lives become tangled after a chance meeting at a club. It’s been almost three decades since its release but it felt fresh. I could have sworn their story was ripped off the pages of my 2023 journal.  Why is that? Because Darius and Nina’s relationship reflected some of the throes of modern dating.

Dating today sucks so bad. It is basically the “eat or be eaten” Olympics.

One of the awful features of modern dating is the well-known and beloved “situationship.” A fair amount of people have been stuck in it. The word was first coined in 2017 by Carina Hsieh who defines it as a “hookup with emotional benefits.” Here, hookup could be any form of physical intimacy.

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7. The 20 Must-Read African Literature for Summer 2020

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The season for tans and loungewear is here. While we while away time at the beach or poolside, we can catch up on the latest African literature. And we have curated the perfect summer reads just for you.

From gripping novels to insightful essays, these books show how African authors continue to enrich the world with their unique voices and perspectives. Let’s look at them.

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8. The Best 15 Summer Movies & TV Series to Watch Now

The Best 15 Movies & TV Shows to Watch This Summer - Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

From dramatic sitcoms to bizarre Sci-Fis and dog movies, our summer movie recommendations are built to keep you laughing, crying, and asking questions that have multiple answers. Here are 15 of the best summer movies and TV shows you can see this year.

We hope you have as much fun as we did watching these movies.

Read More Here.

9. The 8 Prominent Historical Women Who Pioneered Feminism in Nigeria

The 8 Prominent Historical Women Who Pioneered Feminism in Nigeria - Modaculture

The history of Nigerian women is often a shunned subject. It is hardly ever discussed or taught in schools. When it is included in the curriculum, a lot of information is omitted. However, history is not complete if only one side of the story is told. This is why conversations around women’s history matter. For this reason, we are shining the light on historical women who left an impact on the sands of time.

From leading protests to demanding voting rights to defying patriarchal standards, these women cemented themselves as the forebearers of Nigerian feminism.

Read More Here.

10. Chicago Fashion Week 2024: Full Show Schedule

Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

FashionBar has announced a new season of the highly anticipated Chicago Fashion Week. The shows will kick off on April 13 with the Designer Reveal and the full runway shows begin from April 21 to April 28.

This season’s Chicago Fashion Week powered by FashionBar aims at making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities growing the Chicago fashion industry and redefining wellness as it impacts beauty and fashion. This year, the non-profit beneficiaries will include:

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11. Filipina-Kiwi Actress, Franki Russell Shines for Her Cannes Film Festival Debut

Filipina-Kiwi Actress, Franki Russell Shines for Her Cannes Film Festival Debut

Filipina-Kiwi actress Franki Russell made a stunning appearance as she debuted at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet premiere of Rumour, starring Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, last Saturday, May 18.

Russell walked alongside the legendary and Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett and the cast. Rumour, which Russell attended, received a four-minute standing ovation from the festival audience.

Read More Here.

12. Tiger Nuts: 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About This Nigerian Street Snack

Tiger Nuts: 5 Facts You Didn't Know About This Nigerian Street Snack - Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

You might have seen these little round nuts sold alongside coconuts and dates in wheelbarrows by Hausa men in local markets today. Popularly known as Ofio in Yorùbá, Imumu in Igbo, and Aya In Hausa, many relish the delicious taste of tiger nuts, either raw or processed as smoothies or juices. 

This street snack is found in some parts of the world as a weed, referred to as chufa nuts or earth almonds, regardless of what they’re known as, there’s no doubt that tiger nuts have become a popular staple in different places around Nigeria due to factors such as their inexpensive costs, refreshing taste and health benefits. 

Tiger nuts are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are also a natural energy source, including starch and sucrose, essential for carrying out bodily activities and fostering growth. However, you’ll be shocked to learn some interesting facts about these nuts. Come with us as we take you through some of them.

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13. The Perfect Body Skincare Routine for All Skin Types

The Perfect Body Skincare Routine for All Skin Types - Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

New season, new skincare, it’s time for a change! Self-care is important—especially when it comes to taking care of yourself from head to toe and body skincare routine is one area to pay attention to.

Why do you need to take care of your body’s skin?

Taking care of your body is crucial for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Just as we take care of our facial skin, so should we care for the skin on our body. The skin on your body is just as susceptible to damaging environmental factors such as pollutants, harsh winds, and UV rays which can all do damage to your skin. Having a regular skincare routine can help protect your skin against these environmental factors.

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14. The Art of Plant Parenting & its Therapeutic Rewards

Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

There are several things many attribute to Mother Nature for giving that serve as a reminder that Earth is still worth living. Plants stand strong as one of them. These blessings from nature in various homes offer happiness, aesthetic appeal, and a sense of connection. That’s why the concept of plant parenting has boomed over the years.

As you might have inferred from the name, plant parenting refers to the act of showing concern for a houseplant or plants and treating them with the same attention and consideration as a kid or pet. When plants are well-cared for, it not only benefits the plants but also the health and happiness of the people who tend them.

For a lot of Nigerians, the act of improvisation has existed for as long as many can remember. It has seeped in deep into several places, and mental health practices aren’t an exception. It is expected that people will find methods to maintain their sanity. People who needed companionship to support their mental health used to turn to pets, but that is no longer the case. The greatest substitute for treatment these days is to be a plant parent.

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15. Why Are African Publishers Seemingly Fixated on Trauma Porn?

Ogadinma by Ukamaka Olisakwe | Book Review | African Fiction | Nigerian  Booktuber - Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024
Cr.: BookswithRachelEyo/YouTube

Over the years, African literature has become one of the continent’s biggest exports with leading voices like Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ayobami Adebayo, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, Ngugi Thiong’o and many others. These people have succeeded in taking African literature to the international stage evoking a sense of pride among its people.

However, amid this celebration of African storytelling, a trend found common among African publishers is their seeming preference for “serious books.”

‘Serious books’ refer to literary fiction or what fans of literature call ‘trauma porn.’ These kinds of books explore Africa’s heartache; from political instability to physical violence, they tackle ‘important’ issues.

Genres like romance are hardly ever backed by African publishers. There are a few numbers of stories that celebrate African joy which makes one think joy is an abstract concept to the African people.

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Bonus: The Most-Read Stories of 2024 (Because we think you should totally see these as well)

The Top 5 Revenue-Generating Countries in Online Gambling 2024 [No. 18]

The Top 5 Revenue-Generating Countries in Online Gambling 2024 - Modaculture's Top 15 Most-Read Stories of 2024

The economic impact of online gambling on national economies has been astronomical from 2020 -2024, according to the latest Statista research. The online gambling market alone is expected to generate an impressive US$97.70 billion by the end of 2024, with an annual growth rate of 6.46% projected to push the market volume to US$133.60 billion by 2029.

Read More Here.

Inside the Biggest (and Safest) Raves for EDM Lovers & Marginalized Communities in Nigeria [No. 21]

Inside the Biggest (and Safest) Raves for EDM Lovers & Marginalized Communities in Nigeria [No. 21]

The idea of nightlife entertainment for many Nigerians centres mostly around parties featuring only conventional Afrobeats music and events where unadulterated objectification and spending Olympics rule the night. However, for people like Fey who need a place where they can unwind with unconventional music and people and still feel safe, free, and comfortable, EDM raves stand out as a whole new world. 

“The regular nightlife events are mostly painfully conventional, and as someone who likes nightlife, raves are a new world for me, where I can find people like me and be myself,” Fey, a regular EDM raver, describes.

The people, the sound, and the energy in the crowd. The freedom that permeates—it’s like worship.

FEY (RAVER), MODACULTURE JUNE 2024

The impressive rise of Nigerian music around the world has also introduced the emergence of other sub-genres, including Electronic Dance Music, popularly known as EDM. In Nigeria, this genre is characterized by an exciting fusion of Nigerian culture and Western influences. In light of these, EDM has garnered a large community of fans and artists, brewing a brimming scene fostered by DJs and collectives. 

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Author

Gertrude Oby is the Editor-in-Chief at Modaculture. Email: gertrude@themodaculture.com

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