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Apple Music Celebrates Africa Month with Afrobeats Spotlight
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!”
Read Also: Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel
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/
Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs: https://apple.co/
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DJames Makes Producer Debut with Afro-Pop Single ‘Avalay’ Ft Crayon
DJames, the renowned DJ known for his eclectic mixes and infectious energy, unveils his debut as a producer with the release of his new single, ‘Avalay’. This irresistible Afro-Pop track features the exceptional talent of Crayon (Mavin Records), a star in the Nigerian music scene. ‘Avalay’ is the lead single from DJames‘ forthcoming debut EP project, promising a summer filled with infectious rhythms and captivating melodies.
‘Avalay’ is a playful love song that seamlessly blends Afro-Pop and Amapiano influences. The track’s relaxed yet irresistible rhythm is guaranteed to get listeners moving to the beat. Crayon’s smooth vocals perfectly complement DJames‘ signature production style, which effortlessly merges diverse genres to create a fresh sound.
DJames shares his excitement and inspiration about this new chapter in his career, stating, “I wanted to create a record that encapsulates what I am about, as a producer, creating Afrobeats which heavily features live instrumentation and infuses many different sounds”. On his choice of collaboration, he said “I have been a big fan of Crayon for years and we have a great relationship. I felt he was the perfect artist for this and he delivered!”. The ever-talented Crayon describes the song as “a song of assurance that paints the picture of a partner that can be depended on for any type of support”.
With its catchy melodies and infectious vibe, ‘Avalay’ is destined to become a staple on summer playlists across the globe. The track is available on all major streaming platforms.
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Iyke Parker and Leonardoddj Team Up With Artists And Djs For “Heartstrings & Loops” Project
Off the back of their two pre-released songs “Piece of Art” with Korshi T and Nel as well as
“Pain and Pleasure” with 99PHACES, Ghanaian Producer/DJ duo Leonardoddj and Iyke Parker have released their long-awaited debut project “Heartstrings & Loops.” Audiolink: https://easternchild.fanlink.
With guest features from fellow DJs TMSKDJ, Kofi Kay and Didi Dj of Ghana and Itsurgirlno of France as well as verses from Nigerian vocalist Karah and Ghanaian compatriots Cozypols, Juma Mufasa, Ess Thee Legend, Kiki Celine and Kimilist the project is an addition of moements where DJs, Producers and Artistes come together to create music.
“Heartstring and Loops” is not just a collection of songs, but a musical diary that speaks to the hearts of a generation. Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or just navigating the chaos of life, there’s a track here that will hit home and keep you moving on the dance floor. – Leonardoddj and Iyke Parker.
With production credits from Iyke Parker, Leonardoddj and Kofi Kay, the project is a fusion of House, Amapiano and Dance which will get many groovy during the summer and beyond. The project mixed and mastered by Webiejustdidit and Insvne Auggie is currently streaming on DSPs.
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Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio this Friday with DJ Stokie
This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Dj Stokie, and the Hottest Tracks of the Week!
Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, July 5th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Cover Star Interview
South African Amapiano star Dj Stokie joins Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest album, “Immortal.” He also discusses how the album name came about and why he chose to spotlight local producers on the project.
This Week’s Hottest New Tracks
Nandi Madida shares the hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Qing Madi & Kizz Daniel, Show Dem Camp & The Cavemen., Boy Spyce & Don Jazzy, Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & Thabza Tee, and Musa Keys, Teni & A$AP NAST.
Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, July 5th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
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Dj Stokie on pushing his producers on Immortal
I have my boys that I work with now. I have my own stable – Exclusive Music Studio – so I have my boys under that label, which is Sobzeen, Ndoose_SA, Dj Nnana… I’ve worked with them on Immortal. I feel like now it’s time to put them on, I decided they’ve not worked with big artists so let me just push the stable through, let me just push my people.
Dj Stokie on the album title Immortal
Me and my team, we had a meeting. I’m proud to say I’m a living legend of the sound – I’ve been in the game, I’ve been pushing and I’ve seen amapiano to where it is now today – so we sat down and thought of a name. Immortal really suits my brand – me, as Dj Stoke – because I’ve been doing this, I’ve been living music, I’ve been promoting the stuff. I’m that guy!
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H.Hardy shares personal adulation to God on new single ‘Alive’
Promising Liberian-Ghanaian musician, H.Hardy, who garnered significant attention with his widely popular single ‘Survive’ featuring American rapper, Prince Marv in March of this year, has now released a solo project titled ‘Alive.’ (more…)
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