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.”

The last Dotty Show Special of the year is dedicated to Apple Music’s Chop Life campaign and features Mellissa, Nissi, Seyi Vibez and Olive The Boy, as well as an exclusive Africa Now DJ mix from Spaceship Billy, alongside the hottest new tracks from the hottest rising stars on the continent.

Cover Stars Shine
For Apple Music’s Chop Life campaign, Afro R&B-soul songstress Mellissa, Afrobeats singer-songwriter Olivetheboy, Ikorodu-bred star Seyi Vibez, and Afropop singer Nissihand picked a selection of their favourite songs that will ultimately soundtrack their festive season, and their latest releases are spotlighted by on this special episode.

Africa Now Meets Chop Life
British-Nigerian DJ Spaceship Billy, blends Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afrofusion, and effortlessly combines rich African rhythms and melodies to create a highly textured sonic journey. This exclusive mix that he has created for Apple Music is a genre-defying treat that also features British-Nigerian gospel and smooth jazz saxophonist, BishopSaxz.

Ghanaians are well-known for their generosity and hospitality not just to family and friends but also strangers. This year’s Spotify Wrapped data shows the extension of this spirit of openness to  their musical preferences too.

Over the years, Ghanaians have cultivated a distinct musical identity by not only championing local talents but also embracing a diverse range of global sounds, transcending genre boundaries and national distinctions.

“Spotify Wrapped 2023 unveils a nation that doesn’t just consume music but actively participate in a worldwide celebration of creativity, proving that with music, Ghana’s arms are wide open, welcoming the world to join in its musical diversity,” says Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.

Spotify Wrapped is a richly data-sourced annual round up of streaming habits of Ghanaians, showing evidence of the top artists and musical tastes for the year.

As the nation continues to honour its local talent, the music taste of the citizens has transformed into a lively, diverse, and thriving hub of creativity. Ghanaians support their musicians not in isolation but as part of a global conversation, where borders blur, and cultural exchange thrives.

Ghana’s reigning Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Year, Black Sherif takes the crown as the most streamed Ghanaian artist in Ghana, leading a cohort of celebrated talents like Sarkodie and Stonebwoy who took the second and third place respectively.

Black Sherif’s Album The Villain I Never Was  also led the chart on the top streamed album. In crafting this masterpiece of 14 tracks, Black Sherif poured his heart and soul into every note, embodying virtues of originality, honesty, hope, and pain with so much dedication.

Claiming the coveted title of the most streamed Ghanaian song, King Promise’s Terminator secured the top spot. Following closely were Black Sherif’s Konongo Zongo and Oil in my Head, echoing the sentiment of pride and affection for locally cultivated sounds.

Topping the list of most streamed artists in Ghana is Asake, followed by the African giant Burna Boy. Black Sherif, the breakout sensation who keeps making a mark also secured a solid third spot, while familiar names like Davido, Drake and Omah Lay were all in the top 10 list capturing the spirit of the Ghanaian hospitality experience.

Ayra Starr leads the pack as the most streamed female artist in Ghana and the only female artist in the top 10 most streamed artists. International icons like Rihanna and SZA also found a place in the hearts of Ghanaian listeners as they placed second and third place with the Grammy-nominated Tems making her mark in the rankings.

At the forefront of this year’s Spotify Wrapped are Ghanaian artists who have emerged as true ambassadors of Ghana’s musical brilliance. Amaarae, Black Sherif, and KiDi lead the roster as the most exported artists captivating audiences worldwide with their unique styles and transforming their music into a cultural bridge that unites listeners across continents.

The most streamed songs in Ghana tell a story of joy, reflection, and celebration. Leading the charge was Ruger with his hit Asiwaju. Followed by Asake’sLonely At The Top’ which proved that even at the pinnacle of success, it’s the power of great music that truly connects and comforts.

At the forefront of Ghana’s most streamed throwback songs is the legendary Daddy Lumba, whose timeless hit Aben Wo Aha continues to echo through the streets and homes in the country. His other songs, Akoma Da Akoma So, Menya Mpo, and Theresa all featured proudly in the top throwback list transcending generations, illustrating his enduring influence on the Ghanaian musical landscape.

Here’s what the Spotify Wrapped data says about Ghana’s listening habits in 2023:

• Embracing the joyous spirit of celebration, Ghanaians kick off their festivities from 3:00 pm, coinciding with the onset of the evening, as indicated by the latest Spotify Wrapped data.

• Unsurprisingly, the peak of music streaming activity aligns with their love for gatherings, with Saturday claiming the top spot as the day when Ghanaians stream the most music.

• Black Sherif also topped the list of most searched artists, while Rema topped the list of most searched queries in Ghana.

• Ghanaians evidently refused to be ‘lonely’, choosing instead to embrace Asake’s Lonely At The Top, which proudly claimed its position as the viral song of the year. Nacee’s Aseda –  a celebration of gratitude also found itself in the list of top 10 viral songs in the country.

This year’s Spotify’s Wrapped for Ghana captures more than a list of songs and artists, it captures a celebration of the dynamic and ever evolving spirit of Ghana’s music culture.

Eligible users can access their personalized 2023 Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android) and also this year, via web view on mobile or Desktop by heading to Spotify.com/Wrapped.

Additionally, Spotify has also launched its Wrapped creator experience for podcasters and artists.  With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year. Check out Spotify for Artists and Spotify for Podcasters to learn more.

The full breakdown of the top lists is below.

 Naimah, a trailblazing artist hailing from Zambia, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, captivating audiences with her extraordinary ability to seamlessly blend African and urban sounds, all while showcasing her powerful and distinctive soothing vocals. In collaboration with Sandrahhh, an innovative vocalist and multi-disciplinary creative born in Kenya and raised in Johannesburg, Together they continue to push boundaries with distinct vocal nuances and soothing delivery. These are tools they have perfected to ensure that they leaves an indelible mark on the world of music.

Pre-Save: https://paradise.fanlink.to/Work

The genesis of their latest release, ‘Work,’ took root during this year’s Africa Rising Music Conference, specifically within the Searching For Paradise studio sessions. Over two intense days at the Hallmark House Hotel studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, over 30 artists were brought together in 16 dynamic sessions, resulting in a truly collaborative and transformative musical experience.

“Work” is an empowering anthem about unwavering dedication, relentless ambition, and work ethic. It emphasizes the importance of staying focused and avoiding distractions on the path to success. The collaboration between Naimah and Sandrahhh merges unique musical styles, blending elements of Hip Hop, pop, and dancehall with catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.

Naimah shares her perspective on the track, stating, “My verse delves into my own journey towards achieving my goals and my commitment to my craft. It’s telling of my resilience and determination. With lyrics like ‘They tried to bury me, they didn’t know I’m a seed,’ it highlights my mindset of being unstoppable, working tirelessly to achieve success while also putting family first.”

“The song showcases my growth and evolution as an artist. It embodies a different version of me, one that has overcome challenges and emerged stronger than ever,” Naimah adds.

Sandrahh comments on the collaboration, stating, “‘Work’ is a collaborative effort between Naimah and I and is actually our first song recorded together during the Africa rising music conference that took place in Hallmark House earlier this year hosted by Paradise. Produced by Lee Global and with other talented South African artists like Shooterkhumz and Mike from Paradise Music, we really had a lot of fun with it. This was my first attempt at a more Afro-infused type sound, and I look forward to dabbling more with this sound thanks to Naimah’s influence.”

Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own ambition and gain motivation from the infectious energy of “Work.” This empowering anthem serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of artists like Naimah and Sandrahhh, who are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the world of music.

Follow Naimah Global and Paradise Sound System on social media for updates and announcements:

Instagram: @naimahglobal,  @sandrahhh,  @paradisesoundsystem,

Facebook: paradisesoundsystem

Apple Music’s Chop Life campaign is celebrating its third year of saluting the festive season, with 4 exclusive guest playlists from Afro R&B-soul songstress Mellissa, Afrobeats singer-songwriter Olivetheboy, Ikorodu-bred star Seyi Vibez, and Afropop singer Nissi who have each hand picked a selection of their favourite songs that will ultimately soundtrack their festive season.

A phrase that’s embraced across the African continent, “Chop Life” means “enjoy life, and celebrate it to the fullest”. With this philosophy in mind, Apple Music’s dedicated Chop Lifespace will celebrate great music and embrace the spirit of enjoyment at all times, featuring a flagship playlist, bespoke artwork, DJ Mixes, and carefully curated content for any occasion–whether you’re taking it easy at home, on the beach, at a party, or just enjoying some downtime.

“I’m living in an era where anything is possible, where music from all corners of the world can thrive – and I’m living proof of it. I put together this playlist for the baddies out there, a soundtracks for a sexy, blissful holiday because, to me, Chop Life means having the best experiences.” – Mellissa

“In a year full of work and stress, let’s dance, forget our worries, and embrace the joy of every moment.” – Olivetheboy

“Life to me is about the people you have in it, people who sincerely love and want the best out of life for you. These songs make me feel good and want to have a great time. So, chopping life to me is a fun time with my family and friends.” – Seyi Vibez

“Thrilled to team up with Apple Music for the Chop Life campaign! Chop Life to me? It’s all about savouring the best of what life serves up, and not leaving a single crumb behind. I’ve made this playlist and handpicked these songs specifically to ride the ups and downs of the season, and honestly, it’s a mood-booster. Whether you’re chilling, feeling nostalgic or you want to get up and dance this playlist is for you. Give it a listen, find your groove, and let’s all Chop Life together!” – Nissi

Jargokush is ending the year with a bang after consistently dropping catchy Mellow groove vibes music throughout the year, he returns with new vibey single “SO CRAZY” which is accompanied by a mind blowing music directed by well know Cinematographer Clout Cassette Big Shark.

In the video we see the Artists paying tribute to different cultural African ladies by appreciating their culture attire. From having a Swati, Nigerian, Xhosa and Ethiopian models to name a few from the ones that drive him crazy.

“So Crazy” is now available on all major streaming platforms and the video is available on YouTube

Follow Jargokush on Social Media

IG : https://www.instagram.com/jargokushofficial/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/clifford.dickson.566

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@jargokushvevo9632

 Inusa Dawuda is as entertaining to watch as he is to listen to! The Ghanaian-born Germany-based singer-songwriter and saxophonist, showcases his flair for performance in the uplifting remix of ‘Waka Waka Day & Night,’ as reimagined by frequent collaborator and friend Ben Neeson. The video, directed by Jannik-Schmoller, captures the thrill of a live show and is a breath of fresh air, thanks to Ben Neeson’s touch. Listen here: https://bit.ly/benneesonremix

The result is an exhilarating Future House anthem that keeps the fire of the original, a song that is a part of the acclaimed saxophonist’s new 10-track album ‘Waka Waka.’ Whether he’s dancing on rooftops or rocking neon-lit pubs with his fun energy, one thing is sure: Inusa’s charisma and rousing message will lift your spirits. Inusa Dawuda and Ben Neeson may be from different corners of the globe, but their shared passion for music transcends geographical barriers. The two have formed a strong bond of friendship over the years that has produced catchy collaborations.

Speaking on their relationship in and out of the studio, Inusa said: “Ben is no stranger to remixing songs of mine. Our professional relationship has been fruitful, as we have collaborated on previous tracks such as ‘Give Me Sunshine,’ ‘Happy Love,’ ‘Sweet Melody,’ and ‘Feels Like.’ This remix was another opportunity to showcase his amazing skill to the world and celebrate this amazing journey called life with a true friend.”

Ben Neeson is a rising star in the Electro-Pop scene who hails from the scenic French Rivera in Nice, France. His recent releases, including his captivating remixes of Billy Ocean’s ‘Caribbean Queen’ and M People’s ‘Moving On Up’ have garnered significant acclaim and success in Europe this year, positioning him as one to watch.

‘Waka Waka Day & Night (Ben Neeson Remix)’ is here to make your week unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to sway along with the best as you get lost in a world beaming with positivity.

Instagram: inusadawuda.official
Twitter/X: @Inusadawuda
Facebook: Inusa Dawuda