YouTube Music has launched testing of a groundbreaking feature that introduces AI-powered radio hosts. The platform wants to transform music streaming experiences with personalized, interactive audio curation instead. This pilot program was first announced by YouTube on September 26th and is currently being trialed with select users in various global markets. YouTube Music’s AI radio hosts use advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to interact with listeners, suggest songs, share contextual commentary, and create a continuously engaging radio-like atmosphere. Unlike traditional user algorithmic playlists, these AI hosts simulate a DJ experience, adding personality and dynamic conversation between tracks. This is similar to Spotify’s two-years-old in-app DJ X. A YouTube spokesperson stated, “Our AI radio hosts are designed to make music streaming more immersive and enjoyable by blending technology with human-like connection.” This new feature reflects a broader industry trend where streaming platforms leverage AI to enhance user engagement. The use of AI in media curation is no longer limited to recommendation engines but now expands to interactive hosting roles – offering fans a more tailored and vibrant listening experience. Early testers praised the AI hosts for their smooth transitions and seeming ‘personality.’ One participant reported, “It felt like having a knowledgeable friend guide me through a music journey rather than just hitting shuffle.” YouTube’s development team also hinted at plans to integrate voice recognition, allowing listeners to request specific songs or genres conversationally.
SoftPro Mixer to premier first networking experience in Uyo for tech pros, founders, and innovators
After successful editions in Lagos, Kigali , SoftPro Mixer is coming to Uyo on Saturday, September 27, 2025, bringing together software professionals, founders, product leaders, and innovators and talent managers for an exclusive evening of networking, collaboration, and growth. The Uyo edition will take place at Café One, Uyo, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering an engaging mix of panel sections , community conversations, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the local tech ecosystem. “SoftPro Mixer is more than just an event – it’s a community platform where tech professionals, and innovators connect, exchange ideas, and build the future together,” said Young Ukpong , Founder of SoftPro Mixer and WAYLC Hub. “Bringing it to Uyo means giving Akwa Ibom’s growing tech ecosystem the chance to connect with larger African and deeper collaboration with local builders .” Attendees can expect: SoftPro Mixer Uyo is set to be a landmark gathering, strengthening the city’s position as a rising hub for tech innovation and talent in Nigeria. Event Details: Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Venue: Café One, Uyo Register: https://bit.ly/4fti2WV For media inquiries, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities for upcoming events, please contact: Young O. UkpongFounder, SoftPro MixerEmail: westafricanleaders@gmail.comWhatsApp: 09093928911Call : 07036800080
Spiro drives Nigeria’s electric mobility revolution with launch of three e-bikes in Lagos
Spiro, a leading African EV manufacturer, recently unveiled three of its flagship motorcycles in Lagos, Nigeria. From the start of the event, Spiro emphasized a vision where mobility in Nigeria is increasingly electric, affordable, and accessible to all. Flora Limukii, the company’s Global Head of PR, explained their ambition to transform Africa’s transport sector. Operating in eight countries across West and East Africa, Spiro invited the press to explore not only its product range but the complete electric mobility ecosystem, including manufacturing, after-sales service, innovation, and environmental impact. Media, Flora noted, plays a crucial role in educating the public on how electric bikes can save costs, create employment, and lower emissions. According to her, the media are partners in the transition. Rahul Gaur, Spiro’s West Africa Director, detailed the company’s progress and plans. Boasting over 45,000 e-bikes deployed across Africa and nearly 23 million battery swaps completed, Spiro has cut more than 44,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In Nigeria, the brand has introduced 1,000 motorcycles in Ogun State and is rapidly expanding into Delta, Cross River, and Kwara states. Rahul shared an ambitious target to increase battery swapping stations from 64 to 1,000 by January 2026, ensuring riders never face downtime due to depleted batteries. Customers have already logged more than 250 million kilometers on Spiro bikes continent-wide, saving thousands of liters of fuel and proving that electric vehicles can thrive even where infrastructure challenges exist. According to Rahul, electric motorcycles are cost-competitive. He stressed that Spiro bikes cost 40% less to maintain than petrol alternatives and that a 100km journey requires just ₦2,000 in electricity, compared to ₦3,000 or more on fuel. The company’s commitment extends to workforce development, with over 95% of employees being African and more than 130 certified technicians trained through Spiro Academy, which partners with universities to meet the servicing needs of a growing EV market. Spiro also leads the continent with over 500 battery swapping stations, allowing riders to exchange batteries in minutes rather than wait hours to recharge. During the showcase, three signature models took center stage: the durable and efficient Ekon 450M3 commuter bike; the premium Ekon Alpha+ featuring advanced tech like a 7-inch LED display and tyre pressure monitoring; and the special Ekon Collectable Limited Edition, including a version branded by superstar Davido, tailored for enthusiasts and collectors. Spiro’s in-house developed technology platform supports features such as real-time tracking, geofencing, and immobilization, offering governments and fleet operators enhanced oversight and theft prevention. Spiro is currently establishing assembly plants in Nigeria and Rwanda to boost local production and job creation, with more than 95% of staff already African. The infrastructure projects include fast charging stations capable of powering bikes for up to 100km in under 45 minutes. To ease adoption, Spiro plans to expand its mobile repair service “Service-on-Wheels”, delivering on-site repairs, while collaborating with fuel stations, malls, and logistics companies to grow the battery swapping network. An environmentally conscious tour truck will crisscross Nigeria’s major cities, educating riders on EV benefits. The company’s Alpha model, endorsed by music icon Davido, adds a touch of premium appeal to this green revolution.
TikTok and CABC unite to combat online gender-based violence in Nigeria
TikTok and the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC) convened a roundtable in Lagos to address tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) targeting women and girls in Nigeria. The gathering centred on content moderation methods, particularly those aimed at curbing hate speech disproportionately affecting females. This meeting set the stage for a joint campaign focused on monitoring and disrupting damaging online narratives while empowering digital communities. Jesse Cann, Head of Research at CABC, a Cape Town-based non-profit, remarked, their collaboration with TikTok is about protecting users from harmful material online and that they are dedicating their efforts to tackling hate speech, especially that which is gendered, placing women and girls front and centre in critical conversation. The session assembled various stakeholders united in fighting online abuse. TikTok representatives, including Tokunbo Ibrahim-Okuribido, West Africa’s government relations and public policy head, and Keagile Makgoba, communications lead for sub-Saharan Africa, shared insights on platform strategies tailored for the region. Dudu Mkhize, outreach and partnership manager, also emphasized TikTok’s proactive engagement with local experts to craft relevant solutions for the Nigerian context. The Lagos forum featured an agenda overview, TikTok’s content moderation presentation, followed by robust discussions and breakout groups, all aimed at tackling gendered hate speech and safeguarding women and girls. Founded in 2019, the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change is South Africa’s pioneering independent non-profit powered by data storytelling and dedicated to social transformation. Their work spans social divisions, prejudices, public health, and platform safety. Partnering with platforms like TikTok, they expose harmful coded language, including pedophile networks’ communication on platforms like X. CABC counters internet weaponization by exposing and dismantling divisive online content while fostering secure digital communities. TikTok continues to reinforce its commitment to protecting African users. According to its Q2 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, over 2.1 million videos were removed in Nigeria, equating to less than 1% of uploads. In November 2022, TikTok launched the #SaferTogether campaign in Nigeria, its first in Sub-Saharan Africa. It partnered with the Data Scientists Network (DSN) to conduct community workshops educating parents, teachers, and guardians about digital safety in Abuja and Lagos. The platform pledges enhancements to content moderation technology, marked by removing over 178 million videos globally in June 2024, with 144 million filtered automatically. These technological gains decrease human moderator exposure to violent content, ensuring stronger safety for its diverse users. TikTok, known for entertainment, now thrives as a platform for education, activism, and community building, connecting creators and businesses with vast, engaged audiences.
Trump confirms Murdochs, Oracle, and Dell in talks to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations
President Donald Trump revealed that media executives Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and Dell CEO Michael Dell are involved in negotiations to assume control of TikTok’s U.S. branch. The agreement aims to transfer ownership from ByteDance to a predominantly American-led consortium. The potential transaction is progressing as discussions continue to unfold over the future ownership of TikTok in the U.S. Trump announced in a Fox News interview that Lachlan Murdoch is actively participating in the arrangement, with his father Rupert possibly joining. Oracle and Dell leaders are also expected to play significant roles in the acquisition group. While details remain somewhat in flux, media reports indicate that Fox Corporation, headed by Lachlan Murdoch, may also be part of the takeover. The planned restructuring involves spinning TikTok off from Chinese parent company ByteDance to secure majority ownership by U.S. investors. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the framework of the deal is agreed upon in principle, with final signatures expected soon. Under the revamped structure, American representatives would hold six of the seven board seats, and TikTok’s algorithm would be overseen domestically, key measures to address national security concerns. Bloomberg reports that besides Oracle, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and private equity firm Silver Lake Management may join the consortium. Oracle is slated to lead the platform’s security and safety operations, while ByteDance would keep less than a 20% stake. This development follows federal legislation mandating ByteDance’s divestment of TikTok’s U.S. activities, with the threat of a ban looming if unresolved. Earlier in the year, U.S. courts ordered the sale by January 19, prompting many creators to migrate to other platforms. Trump revealed he personally discussed the approval with China’s President Xi Jinping, who supported the deal’s restructuring. TikTok expressed gratitude towards both leaders for their efforts to ensure the app’s continued availability to American users.
OpenAI study finds 70% of ChatGPT usage Is for personal, not work-related tasks
A recent analysis by OpenAI reveals that the vast majority of ChatGPT users employ the AI for personal purposes rather than professional activities. Approximately 70% of all user interactions focus on everyday life rather than office-related projects. OpenAI’s Economic Research team, alongside Harvard economist David Deming, examined 1.5 million anonymized conversations to understand how people engage with ChatGPT. The report, published as a National Bureau of Economic Research paper, found that most users seek practical help, writing support, or quick information, rather than coding or job-specific tasks. By mid-2025, the chatbot boasted over 700 million weekly active individuals sending around 2.5 billion messages daily, equivalent to 29,000 per second. Of these interactions, only about 30% related directly to work, while the remainder centered on personal needs such as drafting emails, refining writing, or making decisions. Writing dominates professional use, accounting for 42% of work-related queries, especially among managers and business professionals. Yet, on a personal level, users tend to ask for everyday advice, compose messages, and seek information, with these categories making up nearly 78% of total interactions. Interestingly, about two-thirds of writing requests involved editing or enhancing existing content, illustrating that many regard ChatGPT more as a cooperative assistant than simply a tool for creating material. Less frequent activities include coding, which represented 4.2% of questions, and self-reflection, at just under 2%. The research also highlights growing global reach: female users rose from 37% in early 2024 to 52% by mid-2025, and AI adoption in lower-income nations has surged at four times the pace of wealthier countries. August 2025 marked a milestone with the release of GPT-5, OpenAI’s most advanced AI model yet, featuring enhancements in reasoning, speed, and accuracy. Businesses across sectors are already integrating this technology to revolutionize their operations.