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“Spotify: For the Record” Podcast Spotlights Fast-Growing African Music Scene, ft. Burna Boy, DaVido, Focalistic, & Tems

Published

3 years ago

April 8, 2021

The next episode of Spotify: For the Record, a podcast sharing fresh, illuminating insights from the music industry in a way only Spotify can, is out now .

Following on from Spotify’s recent launch into 39 new African markets, which was announced during the Stream On event on 22 February, the new episode titled “Afropop to Amapiano: African Music Ignites,” takes listeners on a journey across the continent from Ghana to Kenya, spotlighting the diverse cultures and sounds of a musical hotbed for expanding genres like Amapiano and Gengetone, and popular collaborations between African artists and mainstream Western stars.

The episode features interviews with a roster of African stars, including recent Grammy-winner Burna Boy and fellow Nigerian DaVido, who shares how key collabs with Nas and Nicki Minaj were born in the bathroom and in his DM’s. Also featured is Kenya’s celebrated musician-producer-DJ Blinky Bill, and South African RADAR artist Focalistic, whose track “Ke Star” is gaining worldwide attention. Listeners also hear from Nigeria’s RADAR artist Tems, who reveals how it feels to be featured on President Barack Obama’s playlists and gives a taste of “alté”.

Hosts Shanon Cook and Kevin Turner, along with Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, also share fascinating new insights into how Spotify listeners around the world are responding to music from Africa, one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets. They unveil some key data points from the first 30 days since Spotify launched in the new sub-Saharan markets, these include that:

French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura was the most-streamed African artist globally in the past year (her song “Djadja” has been streamed more than half a billion times); Burna Boy was second.
Ghana’s top five most-streamed artists is a mix: Drake takes the number one slot, followed by two Ghanaian rappers Sarkodie and Kwesi Arthur, with Nigerian neighbours Burna Boy and Davido rounding out the list.
Four out of five of the top five most-streamed artists in Nigeria are from Nigeria: WizKid, Burna Boy, and DaVido top the list, followed by Drake, and then Nigeria’s Rema coming in fifth.
In Kenya, one local artist made it into the top five – Sauti Sol – sandwiched between Drake, Pop Smoke, Justin Bieber and Juice WRLD.

Additional quotes from artists featured on the episode

Davido on how he ended up collaborating with Nas: “When I was in L.A., you know, Hit Boy had a whole studio booked out and apparently him and Nas were working in one of the rooms. I was in the other room working. And then I just had to pee. So, I went to the bathroom, and coming out the bathroom I see Nas. I’m like, ‘What??’ And then he chopped it up. And we did our record that same day. Very weird and crazy.”
Focalistic on collaborating with Davido on a Pan-African “Ke Star” remix: “When we spoke, [Davido] was telling me about how they want to put you know, both worlds together and tell the story the- the way it’s supposed to be, as a Pan-African collaboration. And people understand these are two worlds colliding, Nigeria, South Africa, and creating such a beautiful masterpiece. And I’m super proud that, you know, we managed to do that with Ke Star.”
Burna Boy on paving the way for future generations of talent: “As a kid I had dreams of becoming a proper rockstar. Like I didn’t know what it meant, I just saw it on TV. […] If the younger generation sees that the older generation is doing something and it’s successful, then they’re going to be interested in that thing. And they’re going to probably come out and do it better than their elders.”
Blinky Bill on the East African music scene: “I don’t feel like there’s been a proper spotlight on what’s going on with the East African music scene, which is sad because I think that a country like Kenya, for example, has so much diversity and could add tons to like just push the envelope of where the sound is and where the sound is going. I feel like in the next few years that’s going to happen. So keep an eye out.”
Tems on how the pandemic has impacted her work: “Being locked down helped me learn a lot about myself. I’m such a perfectionist. So it definitely increased the perfectionist side. But overall it doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world, I’m always able to express, so no matter what I am doing, as long as I have vocal chords, I’m still going to be able to create music.”

Facebook: @spotifyAfrica | Instagram: @spotifyAfrica | #SpotifyAfrica

Download the Spotify app via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com – to embed Spotify into a website– right click on any playlist, go to ‘share’ and copy embed code.

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Listen Up: Class In Session, Ajebo Hustlers drops “Bad Boy Etiquette 102”

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

VJ Scaro

Dynamic multi-genre duo Ajebo Hustlers are back with their latest project, the aptly titled “Bad Boy Etiquette 102.” Hailing from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Knowledge (George Dandeson) and Piego (Isaiah Precious) have been steadily building a reputation for music that entertains and enlightens. Listen here. (more…)

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Apple Music Celebrates Africa Month with Afrobeats Spotlight

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Apple Music is celebrating Africa Month with a special focus on Afrobeats, highlighting one of the most eclectic and influential sounds in music today.

Apple Music kicks off the celebrations with the introduction of cover stars on its Afrobeats Hits playlist, starting with Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML who just released his new single “Everyday.”

“As the first artist to be featured on this Apple Music playlist, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful,” Fireboy DML tells Apple Music. “Since 2019 I’ve had incredible support from Apple Music and I’m sure the whole African music scene can say the same. I’m excited to see where this leads and what it will do for the culture.”

Speaking about his new single “Everyday,” Fireboy DML adds: “This new era of my career is about reconnecting with one’s roots, old self and focusing on the things that truly matter — love, family, personal health. I think that’s where success truly lies. ‘Everyday’ is a song that reminds you of the days when we used to make celebratory love songs, of simpler times. From the moment the instrumental starts playing, you can already tell what you’re in for. I’m excited to share this record with the world!”

Apple Music is also featuring “The Story of Afrobeats in 20 songs,” a written editorial feature highlighting the music and artists that helped the genre grow from a West African staple into a global phenomenon.

Towards the end of the month of May, Apple Music will also be launching a new Viral Afrobeats playlist, as well as an new Afrobeats category page that will house new releases, playlists and essential albums from the genre.

Apple Music has also released the Top Artists and Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits for the past year.

Top Artists by streams on Afrobeats Hits

Davido
Asake
Bnxn
Omah Lay
Rema
Burna Boy
Ayra Starr
Adekunle Gold
Kizz Daniel
Zinoleesky

Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits

United States
United Kingdom
France
Canada
Nigeria
South Africa
Germany
Ghana
Australia
Switzerland

Discover Afrobeats Hits here: https://apple.co/AfrobeatsHits

Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs: https://apple.co/Afrobeatsin20Songs

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Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel

Apple Music today released this month’s Africa Now DJ Mix, featuring award-winning, Nigerian DJ, DJ Joenel (real name Eugene O. Nelson-Iye), who has embodied Afrocentricity through his live performances, radio dominance, and personal style.

Born and raised in Ahoada East L.G.A in Rivers State, Nigeria, DJ Joenel cemented his status as one of the leading DJs in the country when he became the resident DJ for Cool FM, the No. 1 hit music station in Lagos. Apart from being the official DJ for Afrobeats singer-songwriter Omah Lay, he has also performed alongside African giants Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid, as well as Olamide, Phyno, Asake, Rema and Kizz Daniel, to name but a few.

Apple Music x DJ Joenel Africa Now Mix Tracklist:

1. Burna Boy – On Form

2. Rema – Dnd

3. Omah Lay – Reason

4. Sarz – Happiness (feat. Asake & Gunna)

5. Zlatan X Asake – Bust Down

6. Kabza De Small, Mthunzi – Amazwe (Ft Mawhoo)

7. DJ Stokie & Eemoh – Masithokoze

8. Kelvin Momo & Babalwa M – Amalobolo (feat Stixx, Nia Pearl)

9. Wizkid – Ololufe (Audio) ft. Wande Coal

10. Young John – Big Big Things (feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez)

11. Kabza – Imithandazo (Ft Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine)

12. Shallipopi – Cast Ft Odumodublvck

13. Skepta, Portable – Tony Montana

14. Tebza De DJ – Ka Valungu (ft. DJ Nomza The King)

15. Jaivah x Marioo – Bruda

16. TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam [Ft. S.N.E & EeQue]

17. Shakes & Les and DBN Gogo – Funk 55 [Ft. Zee Nxumalo, Ceeka RSA and Chley]

18. King Promise – Paris

19. Omah Lay – Holy Ghost

20. Phyno – Do I (Remix) (feat. Burna Boy)

21. Asake – Only Me

22. Flavour – Big Baller

23. Young Jonn- Go Hard

24. Dlala Thukzin – IPlan

25. Chiké & Mohbad – Egwu

26. Kaestyle – Egberi

27. Kizz Daniel, Davido Twe (Remix)

28. Babylon ft. Victony

29. Holy Ten – Ndotokuda (ft. Kimberley Richard)

30. Diamond Platnumz – Mapoz (Ft Mr. Blue & Jay Melody)

31. Davido – NA MONEY ft. The Cavemen., Angélique Kidjo

32. Nandy – Dah (Feat Alikiba)

33. Burna Boy – Tested, Approved & Trusted

34. Azawi – Masavu

35. Kizz Daniel – Showa

36. Qing Madi – American Love

37. Joshua Baraka – Dalilah (Ft Axon)

38. AJEBO HUSTLERS- CELINE DION Ft Odumodublvck

39. Victony – Everything

40. Tyla – Jump (Ft Gunna & Skillibeng)

41. Takura – Hazvireve Rudo Handina

42. Ugaboys – SALARY (ft. Selecta Jeff)

43. Ayra Starr – Commas

44. Bien – Ma Cherie

45. M3lon – Slow Whine

46. KJ Spio – C- Undress You (Ft Sarkodie & Oxlade)

47. Bnxn & Ruger – Romeo Must Die

Check out Apple Music’s Africa Now dedicated space, including its weekly radio show and companion playlist HERE.

Apple Music is the ultimate hub to an eclectic array of independently curated DJ Mixes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana. Apple Music’s African DJ Mix curator partners also include a wide variety of top-tier names like Balcony Mix Africa,iMullar Sound System, KUNYE, Life Of The Party, Obrigado, Pan African Music, Party In The Jungle, Soul Candi, Spin With Engage and Turntable Entertainment.

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Greykoffi drops new urban Christian music, ‘Follow Who Know Road’

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Greykoffi drops new urban Christian music, 'Follow Who Know Road'

Jerry Michelle Mishiame, artistically known as Greykoffi/ Nyeselorm is a Ghanaian – UK based Contemporary Urban and Christian musician, and songwriter. Greykoffi is a former member of a duo group “Tekyerema”.

Listen on https://audiomack.com/greykoffimusic/song/follow-who-know-road?share-user-id=2147534

Greykoffi began his recording career in 2003, where he recorded his first demo with various artistes at that time. He has performed with several Ghanaian artistes like Reggie zippy, Echo, Castro, Asase aban, Episode and many more.

In 2006, upon the death of his duo group partner, Greykoffi decided to embark on his musical journey alone. In 2016, he released his first Album titled ‘Where Grace Smile’. His career goals are to provide an atmosphere of worship for many youths to connect with God, and also to show the average artiste not to bury their dreams because of the industry standards and the challenges of life.

Greykoffi/Nyeselorm has released another single titled ‘Follow Who Know Road’. The song features one of the industry’s unique and talented musician called Kweku Afro. The song is available on all digital platforms.

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Ghanaian songstress, Elizha secures milestone feature with reggae icon Anthony B

Published

4 days ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Ghanaian songstress Elizha is on a new dancehall adventure as she features award-winning Jamaican producer and artiste, Anthony B.

The singer/songwriter has unveiled her new single titled “Sugar” as she takes listeners on a rollercoaster dancehall ride with Anthony B, who has worked with some of the best musicians around the world.

The feature is indeed historic, as Elizha becomes the first Ghanaian female artist to feature a top Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon.

The US-based Ghanaian singer is on a mission to reassert herself as one of the budding musical stars to emerge from Ghana, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Produced by Kros, the new jam by the American-based Ghanaian musician is her first major collaboration in her career, which has sparkled over the past months.

Elizha has had a remarkable career thus far having being adjudged the Best Female Vocalist at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards USA.

The “Sugar” single is available across various streaming platforms.

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Liv North shares new song ‘Boyfriend’ featuring Kwaw Kese

Published

5 days ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Rising Afrobeats sensation, Liv North unveils her latest single ‘Boyfriend,’ featuring renowned Ghanaian rapper, Kwaw Kese. The must-listen song celebrates love and appreciation for partners, showcasing Liv North’s vibrant style and knack for deeply felt lyrics in one scoop. ‘Boyfriend’ is in line to become a radio sensation. Listen to it here: https://fanlink.tv/liv-boyfriend

On ‘Boyfriend,’ Liv North again shines brightly. Her soulful vocals seamlessly flow into Kwaw Kese’s signature rap style to create an engaging sound that sounds fresh yet familiar. This beautiful synergy is made possible by the talented DatBeatGod, whose irresistible production captures the passion at stake.

“I’m excited to be releasing ‘Boyfriend’ with Kwaw Kese and DatBeatGod,” Liv North shares about her new release. “This song is very special to me and I hope it resonates with listeners as much as it does with me. It’s a celebration of love that I can’t wait for everyone to hear.”

Liv North has been a steady voice in the live music scene making exceptional covers, all of which are on her 2022 album, “The LivE Xperience, Vol. 1.” Her spicy fusion of Afrobeats and R&B has grown on fans over the years, with ‘Boyfriend’ set to become a resounding success and further solidify the singer as one of the genre’s favorites.

About Liv North

Liv North is quickly cementing herself as the new Afrobeats diva on the block. Known for her captivating vocals and infectious energy, Liv North has garnered massive attention among fans with a unique sound that blends traditional Afrobeats rhythms with contemporary influences. With each new release, her music pushes the boundaries of the genre while celebrating love, life and culture.

Stay tuned for more updates from Liv North and follow her on social media for the latest news and announcements.