Connect with us

Radio & TV

Apple Music launches new ‘Hip-Hop DNA’ audio series celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop

Published

on

unnamed 7 2
Apple Music celebrates 50 years of hip-hop with Hip-Hop DNA, a 20 episode audio series mining the rich catalogs of today’s biggest stars to trace their artistic evolution back to the art form’s beginning. The program’s guiding principle is that all artists—no matter the era or discipline—carry with them the music and practices of their influences and, whether they’re aware of it or not, of their influences’ influences.
The audio series is hosted by Ebro Darden, Apple Music’s global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B, and explores this chain of influence through four distinct lenses. Launching today (May 8), Apple Music kicks off “Origins,” with 9 episodes released throughout the month of May dedicated to unearthing the storylines that define hip-hop’s most prominent regions (East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and South). After “Origins,” Episodes 10-20 will feature explorations of the crafts of MCing, production, and DJing. Hip-Hop DNA is designed to educate and inform listeners of every era, exposing them to connections within music that many fans never take the time to consider.
Check out Apple Music’s full celebration around 50 years of hip-hop here: apple.co/hiphopdna
See below for details around episodes 1-5, which launched today and focus on the story of hip-hop starting with its East Coast birthplace.

 

The Intro (Ep 1)
In the introductory episode of Apple Music’s Hip-Hop DNA series, we explain how all the music of our most beloved stars carries with it generations of influences. Hip-Hop DNA establishes connections between the artists and eras your average fan is completely oblivious to, educating hip-hop fans both new and seasoned. We’re approaching several facets of hip-hop in this regard, including MCs, Production, and DJs, each of which have their own dedicated series unpacking their own incredible histories. Apple Music’s Hip-Hop DNA is testament to the fact that hip-hop has always been, and will always be, a family affair. Or to put it in the wise words of a Dr. Dre-produced deep-cut, ”We’re All In The Same Gang.“
Bronx Tale (Ep 2)
Within the Bronx Tale episode, we cover some of the borough’s biggest stars, like Cardi B and French Montana, while unpacking a musical lineage that goes back to hip-hop scholar KRS-One and beyond. It’s a long way from someone like Cardi B to KRS—with a lot of artists in between—but as the old saying goes, you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you come from.

Just Wanna Rock (Ep 3)
Contemporary hip-hop artists like Lil Uzi Vert lean heavily into rock sonics and aesthetics, but Uzi is far from the first to do so. The Just Wanna Rock episode of Hip-Hop DNA goes deep on that tradition, highlighting rap-rock pioneers like Beastie Boys and Run DMC.

NY State of Mind (Ep 4)
“New York to the heart, but got love for all,” goes the opening line of Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz’s east coast classic, “Deja Vu (Uptown Baby).” It’s the perfect line to describe the premise of the “NY State of Mind” episode of Apple Music’s Origins series. We’re highlighting the impact of some of the Big Apple’s biggest stars and tracing a path from people like A$AP Rocky back to Rakim (the man he was named after).
It’s A Queens Thing, Baby (Ep 5)
As many universally adored artists as Queens, New York has delivered to hip-hop, the borough deserves its props. From Nicki Minaj to Nasty Nas to A Tribe Called Quest to Roxane Shante, the lineage of Queens MCs goes deep, and in plenty of different directions. With It’s A Queens Thing, Baby, we’re showing you how everyone in that lineage took something from the players that came before them.
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Radio & TV

Apple Music curate Afrobeats playlist inspired by Ted Lasso’s Sam Obisanya

Published

on

unnamed 8 5

To celebrate the Season 3 finale of Ted Lasso, the series that has captured the hearts and minds of a global audience, Apple TV+ has joined forces with Apple Music to curate an exclusive Afrobeats playlist inspired by Sam Obisanya, expertly played by Toheeb Jimoh.

 

When Sam isn’t encouraging his football team, The Greyhounds, with his sunny optimism, this treasured character is proudly working at Ola’s, the Nigerian restaurant he opened and proudly named after his beloved father.

 

From Wizkid’s masterly crafted track “Essence” and Tems’ game-changing single “Free Mind”, to Ckay’s chart-dominating release “Love Nwantiti (ah ah ah)” and Libianca’s viral smash “People”, Sam Obisanya’s Afrobeats for Ola’s playlist is a tour de force of Afrobeats staples that have become known the world over for their irresistible groove.

Advertisement

 

Discover this eclectic selection of songs Sam plays for the diners of Ola’s on Apple Music today, and remember to catch the Season 3 finale of the show on Apple TV+ on Wednesday May 31, 9am SAST/ 11am Ghana Time/ 08:00am WAT/ 10am EAT

 

Stream Sam Obisanya’s Afrobeats for Ola’s here: apple.co/SamObisanyaAFO

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Radio & TV

Apple Music’s ‘The Dotty Show’ to feature Africa Month Special

Published

on

unnamed 8 4

Apple Music 1’s The Dotty Show’ features Dotty interviewing the artists lighting up Apple Music with the biggest tracks across hip-hop, pop, Amapiano and everything in between, from across the globe.

 

On the last Wednesday of each month she hosts a special feature on her Worldwide Wednesdays show dedicated to the hottest sounds from around Africa.

 

“It’s impossible to celebrate the global impact of Black music without spotlighting the abundant sounds coming out of the African continent,” said Dotty, Apple Music 1 host and Lead Cultural Curator, Black Music, UK. “Our monthly playlist specials allow us to dedicate time to what is, to me, the most exciting and innovative music market in the world right now.”

Advertisement

 

This week’s episode is dedicated to Africa Month and features Seun Kuti, Fally Ipupa, Angelique Kidjo, Brenda Fassie, Alikiba and more, as well as an exclusive ChopLife Soundsystem mix that features the best in Amapiano and Afrobeats.

 

 

Check out The Dotty Show this Wednesday, May 31st at 2p London / 3p Lagos/Paris / 4p Johannesburg / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1.

Advertisement

Cover Stars Shine
As Africa Month draws to an end, The Dotty Show will celebrate the origins of African music to bring Apple Music’s campaign to fitting conclusion, spotlighting artists across various genres, namely Nigerian trendsetter Seun Kuti, Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa, Benin icon Angelique Kidjo, South Africa legend Brenda Fassie and Tanzanian megastar Alikiba.

 

Africa’s Greatest
Each of these artists were pioneers in their respective genres and their music became cornerstones for new generations to explore, sample and enjoy their rich discographies.

 

Check out the full episode this Wednesday, May 31st at 2p London / 3p Lagos/Paris / 4p Johannesburg / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Radio & TV

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: Sevilla and Roma battle for trophy on May 31; LIVE action on GOtv

Published

on

Pogba and Erik

SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to the final of the UEFA Europa League which pits Sevilla against Roma at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on the evening of Wednesday 31 May 2023.

DStv and GOtv is the only true home of football in Africa, offering a range and depth of action that no other rival can match  it’s literally ‘Unbeatable Football’! If you’re going to spend your money on something, it may as well be on the best football in the world.

Path to the final

Sevilla, who have the amazing record of winning the Europa League every time they have reached the quarterfinal stage, ‘dropped’ into the competition from the UEFA Champions League and went on to defeat PSV Eindhoven (3-2 on aggregate), Fenerbahce (2-1), Manchester United (5-2) and Juventus (3-2). They are just 90 minutes away from winning the Europa League for a record-extending seventh time (adding to triumphs in 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020).

Roma’s path to the final saw them finish second in Group C behind Real Betis, before going on to defeat Red Bull Salzburg (2-1 on aggregate), Real Sociedad (2-0), Feyenoord (4-2) and Bayer Leverkusen (1-0). Last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League champions, the Giallorossi are hoping for continued continental success.

Advertisement

In addition, the winners of this match will earn a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League regardless of their finishing position in their domestic leagues.

Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head stats, Sevilla and Roma have met in just one previous match: a round of 16 single-leg tie (due to the effect of Covid-19) in the Europa League in August 2020 which the Spanish side won 2-0 thanks to goals from Sergio Reguilon and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Battles to watch

Jose Luis Mendilibar v Jose Mourinho – Mendilibar has done an amazing job in turning Sevilla’s season around, but he faces a tough opponent in the wily and wizened Mourinho, who is chasing yet another continental title.

Advertisement

Fernando v Nemanja Matic – These two veteran midfielders have defied father time to be outstanding performers for their teams in the ‘engine room’ this term, but only one of them will walk away a Europa League champion from Budapest.

Gonzalo Montiel v Tammy Abraham – It has not been a vintage season for Abraham in goal-scoring terms, but he remains a talisman for Roma and will be a player that the determined Montiel will have to keep a close eye on.

No rival can compete with SuperSport’s coverage. Our viewers on DStv and GOtv enjoy an unrivalled selection of football from around the world!

UEFA Europa League final broadcast details (All times GMT)

Wednesday 31 May

Advertisement

19:00: Sevilla v Roma – LIVE on SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Maximo 360 and SuperSport GOtv Football

Continue Reading

Radio & TV

South African actress, singer and entrepreneur, Nandi Madida joins as new host of Apple Music 1’s Africa Now Radio

Published

on

Nandi Madida joins as new host of Apple Music 1’s Africa Now Radio

Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida debuts this Friday 2 June at 2p Lagos/London / 3p Johannesburg/Paris / 6a LA / 9am NYC on Apple Music 1.
(more…)

Continue Reading

Radio & TV

A Melodic Journey through Ghanaian Gen Z’s Hearts

Published

on

Ameyaw Debrah listening to music

In the world of music genres and emotions, there exists a unique space for mellow beats, effortlessly transporting us to tranquility and introspection. Among Gen Z listeners in Ghana, one trend shines brightly—their unwavering love for mellow music. From Lo-Fi and sad melodies to chill vibes and easy listening anthems, the younger generation has wholeheartedly embraced these soothing sounds to navigate life’s complexities in a fast-paced world.

 

Whether it’s the introspective lyrics, delicate instrumentation, or soul-stirring vocal performances, according to Spotify data, mellow music has become a trusted companion for Gen Z across Africa as they embrace the beauty of vulnerability and emotional depth.

 

For instance, in Ghana, Tom Odell’s Another Love, a track that delicately weaves a tale of pain and longing, illustrating the struggle to release a love that has faded away is the most listened to mellow song among Gen Zs, along with Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved, another anthem of heartbreak.

Advertisement

 

These standout songs, along with the others, offer a diverse range of introspective and emotive experiences. They touch upon universal themes of love, heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection, making them resonate deeply with Gen Zs. Through their relatable lyrics and melodies, these songs provide a refuge for young listeners, offering solace and understanding amidst the complexities of their own personal journeys.

 

These tracks have found their home in the meticulously curated mellow playlists like Soft Pop Hits, Chill Hits, Soft Life and Sad Hour among others. These playlists serve as sanctuaries for the wounded hearts seeking solace, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles

 

Advertisement

As for the timing of mellow music consumption, the 18-24 age group tend to seek solace in the mellowness of their favourite tunes during two distinctive periods: 10:00 PM, when the world quiets down and the night unfolds; and 12:00 midday, when people seek out moments of calmness and contemplation amidst the busyness of the day.

 

“Mellow music is a respite from the constant connectivity and information overload of the modern world, offering a space where listeners can find solace, connect with their emotions, and navigate the complexities of life at their own pace” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Africa.

 

Below is how Ghanaian Gen Zs are consuming mellow music

Advertisement

 

Top 10 tracks on mellow playlists among Ghanaian Gen Zs

  1. Another Love, Tom Odell

  2. Someone You Loved, Lewis Capaldi

  3. Lovely, Billie Eilish ft. Khalid

  4. Arcade, Duncan Laurence

  5. Before You Go, Lewis Capaldi

  6. Ben Dover, Yartti

  7. Say You Won’t Let Go, James Arthur

  8. If the World Was Ending, JP Saxe ft. Julia Michaels

  9. Heartbreak Anniversary, Giveon

  10. You broke me first, Tate McRae

 

Top 5 mellow playlists among Ghanaian Gen Zs

  1. Soft Pop Hits

  2. Chill Hits

  3. Sad Songs

  4. Soft Life

  5. Sad Hour

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Radio & TV

Stream all the action at the 2023 Roland Garros live on Showmax Pro

Published

on

Roland Garros GettyImages 1252044424
The road to Roland-Garros 2023 is over and it’s time for the world’s best to shine on the clay-court. The much awaited 2023 French Open commences at Roland Garros in Paris from Sunday, 28th May 2023, and with the tournament set to air live on Showmax Pro, tennis fans will be able to catch all the action live until the 11th June 2023.
Without defending champion Rafael Nadal, this year will be the first since 1998 that has not featured either Nadal or the now retired Roger Federer. However, this year’s men’s field is led by World number 1 and the reigning US Open Champion, Carlos Alcaraz, who looks to be the future heir to the men’s tennis throne post the dominant of era of the big three in Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. Nobody heads into the major with more championships than 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, you cannot simply write him off from winning a record 23rd grand slam. Other eyes will be the rest of the top seeds in Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Danish breakout star Holger Rune.
World number one and reigning champion, Iga Swiatek is a three-time major winner after capturing the 2020 and 2022 French Opens as well as the 2022 US Open. Swiatek aims to become the first back-to-back women’s champion at the major in 16 years since Justine Henin won three in a row from 2005 – 2007. She is joined by the likes of 2021 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, as well as top-10 seed like Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Caroline Garcia, Ons Jabeur, Maria Sakkari, Dari Kasatkina and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.
While a lot of the stars are chasing historic and personal accomplishments it cannot be predicted who will take the crown and carve their names in Roland Garros history, being on top of your game, laser focus, soft hands at the net, coupled with a Teflon temperament, will be the ultimate prerequisite for those in line for the title.
All the action from the much-anticipated major can be live streamed and enjoyed by Showmax Pro Subscribers in ROA excluding those in South Africa, Lesotho and Mauritius.
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Sign up

Trending