People & Lifestyle
How Spotify’s African Heat Became A Part Of Your Life
For ardent fans and casual listeners of Afrobeats, both at home and in the diaspora, Spotify’s African Heat is both an important resource for music discovery and a growing catalogue of the genre’s global success.
Spotify first introduced African Heat in 2017 and the playlist has grown to become the premier hub for Afrobeats on the global streaming platform. For fans of the genre or eager ears looking for new sounds, staying in touch with African Heat provides a fresh source of what’s hot on the continent and a roll call of its leading voices, from Ayra Starr to Sha Sha. Holding a spot on the playlist has also become a precursor for global success – songs featured on African Heat upon release, such as Rema’s Calm Down, have gone on to become some of the most streamed Afrobeats records on the platform.
“As Spotify’s flagship playlist for African music, African Heat curates the continent’s incredible content and culture for a global audience. It has become the nucleus of a global community of Afrobeats fans and we’re excited to see its reach grow and take Afrobeats to more global ears” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Africa.
The playlist’s growth has been facilitated by a large audience outside of Afrobeats’ home region in West Africa. According to Spotify data, The US, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands and Canada feature in the top 10 markets where African Heat is streamed; Nigeria and Kenya are the playlist’s leading African markets, with South Africa and Ghana also making an appearance in the top ten markets streaming the playlist.
Across all markets, African Heat appeals to fans of all ages, a trend that is in keeping with the widespread appeal of Afrobeats. However, it should be no surprise that Gen Z leads the charge. Listeners aged 18-24 provide more than a quarter of African Heat’s streams, more than any other age group. Following closely are 25-29 year olds, then 30-34 year olds. The digital-first generations are an army of eager proponents that have propelled Afrobeats to success via viral moments and ardent fandom on social media.
Whether you are 19 or 90 however, if you listen to Afrobeats on Spotify, chances are African Heat has found its way into a sweet spot in your routine. Spotify Data shows that, while African Heat has listeners during every hour of the day, most fans listen to the playlist between the hours of 4-6pm – that time of the day when the curtain falls on daily obligations. Listenership peaks at exactly 5pm each day when the playlist has the most streams.
And if you’re wondering just how much of your day is spent in this hub of African music, data from Spotify shows that the average listener streams African Heat for 25 minutes. With over a million followers around the world and an endless chest of African content to draw from, these touchpoints have all contributed to the platform crossing the 500 million stream mark in 2023.
People & Lifestyle
Adansi Travel Wins Marketing Oriented Hospitality Company Of The Year
Ghana’s leading travel and tour company, Adansi Travels has been adjudged the Marketing Oriented Hospitality Company of the Year, 2022.
At the 34th Annual National Marketing Performance Awards ceremony at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the hospitality company was again crowned for the second time after winning it first in 2020.
Adansi Travels which started a decade ago with a staff strength of 3 people in the Obuasi area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana has become a major tourist promoter, introducing locals to foreign tourist sites and foreigners to breath-taking local tourist sites in Ghana.
The C.E.O, after picking up the award said, We extend our profound appreciation to all our partners, clients, and well-wishers. To our valued clients, who have entrusted us with their travel experiences and have become cherished members of our travel family since 2016, we are deeply thankful. Your unwavering support has inspired us to continually innovate and enhance our offerings.”
He further added, “This recognition will serve as a constant reminder to us to consistently provide nothing less than our very best. We are immensely grateful to CIMG for bestowing this significant honor upon us for the second time, and it serves as a driving force for us to continue striving for excellence.”
This award is in recognition of Adansi Travels’ excellence in strategic marketing which has led to delivering excellent results over the years.
Travels’ tenants for work is hinged on professionalism, trust and loyalty. This leads them to create a niche market that allows people irrespective of their budget to explore Ghana and the world.
People & Lifestyle
Is a Free VPN Safe to Use? Exploring the Risks and Benefits
In our current digital age, online privacy and security have become an importantt concerns for internet users around the world. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, people are actively seeking ways to protect their online activities. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have gained popularity as tools that promise safeguarding your digital footprint. While there are many VPN options available, free VPNs, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their accessibility. In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of using a free VPN, with a focus on free VPN for Windows.
Understanding VPNs: What Are They?
Before delving into the world of free VPNs, let’s understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is essentially a service that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device (in this case, your Windows PC) and a remote server. This connection masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties, such as hackers or government agencies, to monitor your online activities.
The Benefits of Using a Free VPN
Enhanced Privacy: One of the primary advantages of using a free VPN is the boost in online privacy. Your internet service provider (ISP), websites, and even potential cybercriminals won’t be able to track your online behavior when you’re connected to a VPN.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Free VPNs often allow users to access geo-restricted content. For example, if a streaming platform or website is only accessible in certain regions, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re browsing from an eligible location.
Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, your data becomes vulnerable to interception. A free VPN can add an extra layer of security when you’re using unsecured public Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels.
The Risks Associated with Free VPNs
Data Logging: Many free VPN providers track and log user data. This can include your online activities, websites visited, and even personal information. This data may then be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
Inadequate Security Measures: Some free VPNs might not implement robust encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to breaches or leaks.
Limited Features: Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower connection speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations. These restrictions can hinder your online experience.
Malware and Adware: Some free VPN services have been found to include malware or adware in their software, potentially infecting your device.
Uncertain Jurisdiction: Free VPN providers can be based in countries with lax data privacy laws, which means they may not be obligated to protect your data.
Choosing the Right Free VPN for Windows
If you decide to use a free VPN for your Windows device, it’s essential to exercise caution and select a reputable service. Here are some simple tips for selecting the right one:
Read Reviews: Research and read user reviews and expert opinions to find out which free VPNs have a good reputation for security and privacy.
Check for No-Logs Policy: Look for a free VPN that has a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t store your online activities or personal information.
Transparent Privacy Policy: Ensure that the VPN provider has a clear and transparent privacy policy that explains how they handle your data.
Encryption Standards: Check what encryption standards the VPN employs. The stronger, the better.
Server Locations: Opt for a free VPN with multiple server locations so you can access content from different regions.
Trial Period: Some premium VPN providers offer limited free versions or trial periods of their services. These can be a safer option than entirely free VPNs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to use a free VPN for your Windows device comes with both benefits and risks. While free VPNs can enhance your online privacy and help you access geo-restricted content, they may also compromise your data security and privacy due to certain limitations and potential pitfalls. To maximize the benefits of using a free VPN while minimizing the risks, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, choose a reputable provider, and be aware of the privacy policies and security measures in place. Ultimately, your online security is in your hands, and a well-informed choice can help you navigate the digital landscape more safely.
People & Lifestyle
Edem, Camidoh, Cina Soul, Chief One, Keeny Ice to rock Asogli Yam Festival 2023 stage this Sunday in Ho
Celebrated Ghanaian Rapper/CEO, Edem, parades his fellow Volta Artistes for this year’s big stage at the Asogli Yam Festival.
Edem will be joined on stage by ‘Sugarcane’ hitmaker, Camidoh, who for the first time will be rocking such a big stage in Ho since his major break.
Chief One and Keeny Ice, current Volta Heavyweight Artistes with banging back-to-back hits will also grace the stage with Edem.
Cina Soul, the swooning singer is the surprise Act listed for the concert as well. She joins the big line up for the show slated for this Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Budding artistes, Rizzlah Stylah and Tuf B have also been named as performers on the night with DJ Cyril being the top man on the music decks.
White House Forecourt is the venue for the show and event kick starts from 5:00pm on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Events 21 and Beenie Words are producers of this event.
The big celebration is in line with T
ogbe Afede XIV’s 20th Anniversary on the Throne as Agbogbomefia of Asogli State.
Asogli Yam Festival also known as Asogli Te Za” is an annual festival celebrated in Ho Municipal by the Asogli Fraternity, happens during the 3rd and 4th quarter of every year.
For further information, kindly reference the flyer for details, or connect directly with Elorm Beenie, Production Lead for the concert.