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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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.
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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.

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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

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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

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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

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