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Afrobeats’ Fusion: Spotify’s Journey of a Billion Streams continues
Spotify’s Afrobeats site: 90% of fans agree that fusing Afrobeats with other sounds has been helpful to its growth
How Afrobeats has seamlessly fused with other genres
Afrobeats in recent times has been known to reinvent itself through the fusion with other music genres. Which are some of the key genres that Afrobeats has been fused with over the years? What do the fans think of these fusion sounds? What has been the impact of fusing Afrobeats with other sounds? This week’s update to Spotify’s Afrobeats: Journey to a Billion Streams site has the answers.
Spotify, the streaming giant launched the site last month to track Afrobeats’ explosive growth from West Africa to a globally recognised sound. The site is updated bi-weekly, and has so far journeyed through Afrobeats origins and its evolution.
New this week:
Afrobeats’ ability to fuse and blend with other genres is likely down to the fact that it’s wrapped up in its DNA. According to research conducted by Kuvora on behalf of Spotify, 90% of fans agree that fusing Afrobeats with other sounds has been helpful to its growth.
The latest update to the site delves into the Fusion of Afrobeats with genres such as Amapiano, Hip Hop, Dancehall, Reggae and more. Also added to the site, is how the fusion of Afrobeats has contributed to the pan-Africanism of the sound, allowing artists from other countries to infuse the genre with their own local sounds.
This week’s expert videos include:
Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s West Africa Editor
Efya, a Ghanaian artist
Seyi Shay, a Nigerian singer and songwriter
Kofi Bansah, a Ghanaian music producer
Obi Asika, CEO of Storm Records, one of Nigeria’s pioneer music labels
May7ven, a UK based Afrobeats artist and pioneer
New data updates include:
Most liked Afrobeats tracks
Most playlisted Afrobeats tracks
Hours streamed male vs female
Curated list of Afrobeats fusion tracks
“The current Afrobeats sound we know and love has always been on a constant journey of evolving. Now to see that progress into more fusion with global and continental sounds is very exciting,” says Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s West Africa Editor.
Fusion is now live at afrobeats.byspotify.com where an immersive journey into the world of Afrobeats awaits.
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Listen Up: Class In Session, Ajebo Hustlers drops “Bad Boy Etiquette 102”
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
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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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’
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
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
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-
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.
Instagram: livnorthmusic
Twitter/X: @livnorthmusic1
Facebook: Liv North
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