Buzz
Spotify’s Afrobeats Celebration: Where Music Meets the Hearts of Influencers, Media, and Music Fans
Spotify has made an electrifying impact on the Nigerian music scene, highlighting the contributions and milestones associated with the Afrobeats genre.
The successful launch of the Afrobeats: Journey of a billion streams site that celebrates the milestone of the genre culminated in events that captivated not just the music aficionados but anyone who had the privilege to be part of the Afrobeats journey. To further highlight the genre, Spotify just launched an Afrobeats hub for all lovers of Afrobeats, a one stop destination to explore all the Afrobeats playlists.
On Thursday 12 and Friday 13, October, Spotify brought together celebrities, podcasters, influencers, music executives, media personalities and music fans at two experiential events dubbed #SpotifyPodcastsLagos and #SpotifyAfrobeats. The events held at La Madison Place in Lekki, Lagos, showcased and celebrated the rich culture of Afrobeats and the remarkable achievements of the genre through the years.
Speaking at the Afrobeats Celebration, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “Spotify’s commitment to connecting people with the music they love is at the heart of everything we do. We’re thrilled to continue celebrating Afrobeats’ milestones and reinforce our commitment to the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The two-day celebrations began with a masterclass session featuring Ncebakazi Manzi, the Podcast Manager for Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa. The session provided an engaging platform for podcast enthusiasts, diving deep into the craft of storytelling, exploring innovative techniques and insights, and illustrating Spotify’s commitment to empowering podcast creators. Following the session, there was a fireside chat facilitated by Gwenevier Ehimen Lem from Association of African Podcasters and Voiceover Artists (APVA), featuring a panel of industry experts, including Tony Doe from Into The Podverse and Tony Doe Media, Ayomide Tayo from Loose Talk, Dami Aros from So Nigerian, and Fay Fay, the founder of Naija Podhub.
Attendees were then later treated to captivating and thought-provoking live podcast recordings, featuring highly acclaimed Nigerian content creators Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu from “I Said What I Said,” and Joey Akan from “Afrobeats Intelligence.” In a conversation with Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, Joey Akan delved into a range of topics, spanning from the success of Afrobeats and playlisting strategies to Spotify’s contributions to the music ecosystem. The “I Said What I Said” live show guests were artists, Nissi and Pheelz, fol
On Day 2, The Celebration commenced with an electric atmosphere and performances that saw a huge turn out of Afrobeats enthusiasts who were eager to indulge in the night’s festivities. The dance floor was alive with activity, and the room hummed with an infectious enthusiasm, thanks to DJ Tohbad, who skillfully set the stage with a continuous flow of chart-topping tracks by Nigerian artists.
The evening transitioned smoothly into the night’s performances featuring some of the most talented emerging and established artists from Nigeria. Bloody Civilian, who is also a Spotify RADAR Africa artist, had guests singing along to her hit songs, including I Don’t Like You making the event one to remember. Next on stage was FAVE, who has been a Spotify EQUAL artist, and enthralled the crowd with some of her hit songs including Baby Riddim, Beautifully and Mr Man, leaving the guests yearning for more.
Up and coming Nigerian Street Pop singer, Shallipopi set the stage on fire, delivering crowd-pleasing hits including Sharpiru, Ex-Convict and Elon Musk. Sarz, DJ, producer and mixing engineer extraordinaire had the audience vibing with a set featuring both chill music and party bops, heightening the vibe for the night. Ruger, Nigerian sensational Afrodancehall singer, closed off the night, starting off with some of his hits songs that lit up the audience, displaying his unique style.
The venue was awash with gentle, warm lighting that accentuated Spotify’s brand image while the stage featured mesmerising visual projections showcasing details about the Afrobeats genre. The experiential booths were designed to recreate the Afrobeats microsite, offering attendees a chance to be fully immersed within the chronology of the Afrobeats genre.
Spotify’s Afrobeats Celebration was not just a music event, it was a celebration of culture, diversity and the power of music to unite people. With 15 billion streams and counting, Spotify continues to shape the future of the music industry. This journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.
Photos: Linked
Image Credits: Insigna Online
Buzz
New Song Release: “Good News” Offers Hope and Encouragement to the world
Today marks the release of a powerful new song titled “Good News,” featuring A.A. Prempeh, Sonnie Badu, MOG, and Abba Praise. This uplifting anthem delivers a message of hope and encouragement to listeners across the World.
“Good News” is a prophetic song, boldly proclaiming that this year is destined to be one filled with blessings and breakthroughs. With its infectious rhythm and inspiring lyrics, the song aims to uplift spirits and instill a sense of optimism in the hearts of all who hear it.
listen https://lnkfi.re/AAPrempehgoodnews
“We wanted to create a song that would speak directly to the struggles and challenges facing our world today,” says A.A. Prempeh, one of the artists behind the track and Also a major Prophet who operates globally “In a time where many are facing uncertainty, we believe that ‘Good News’ will serve as a beacon of hope, reminding people that better days are ahead.”
Sonnie Badu, known for his soul-stirring vocals and powerful stage presence, adds, “Music has the power to heal and uplift, and we hope that ‘Good News’ will touch the lives of listeners in profound ways. Our goal is to spread positivity and encouragement throughout the nations.”
MOG and Abba Praise, stars in the Ghanaian music scene, lent their unique talents to the song, contributing to its vibrant and uplifting sound.
“Good News” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The artists encourage people everywhere in the world to listen, share, and embrace the message of hope and encouragement contained within the song.
As the world faces its fair share of challenges, “Good News” serves as a timely reminder that brighter days are on the horizon. Through the power of music and prophecy, A.A. Prempeh, Sonnie Badu, MOG, and Abba Praise are spreading a message of hope and positivity that resonates with listeners from all walks of life.
Buzz
Watch: Exclusive Photos and videos from Akwaboah’s White Wedding
Following a colourful traditional wedding ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Accra, Ghanaian Highlife sensation, Gladstorm Kwabena Akwaboah Jnr and his better half, Theresa are climaxing their nuptial knot with a glamorous white wedding. (more…)
Buzz
Highlights from Medikal’s spectacular show at London’s O2 Indigo
Ghanaian rapper Medikal made an impressive debut at London’s O2 Indigo with a sold-out show, featuring performances from a lineup of industry heavyweights like Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Efya, Bisa Kdei, Jay Bhad, and more. (more…)
Buzz
Jah Lead releases new song ‘Shame on You’
Buzz
Oheneyere Mercy Aseidu, Gifty Anti, Stacy Amoateng, and other celebrities grace Akwaboah Jnr’s Traditional Wedding
The traditional wedding of Renowned Ghanaian Highlife singer-songwriter Akwaboah Jnr and his wife, Theresa was a star-studded affair, with a constellation of Ghanaian celebrities gracing the occasion to celebrate the union of love and culture. (more…)
- Buzz3 days ago
Ghanaian blogger Sika Official stabbed at a pub
- People & Lifestyle5 days ago
Techiman-to-Accra: Seidu Rafiwu’s Record-Breaking 380km Walkathon
- Buzz1 week ago
Funeral arrangements announced for late Nollywood actor Junior Pope
- World News5 days ago
Former US Army Servicemember, Sanda G. Frimpong Sentenced to Prison in Money Laundering Romance Scam
- Buzz6 days ago
Taking the HIV test in public was my suicidal note to the world; I couldn’t take it anymore. – Joyce Dzidzor Mensah
- Buzz4 days ago
Don’t marry someone you’ve not dated for more than 7 years – Tic
- World News5 days ago
US Army Major Kojo Owusu Dartey Found Guilty After He Smuggled Guns to Ghana in Blue Barrels of Rice and Home Goods
- Listen5 days ago
Amerado drops new single titled ‘Tin Ton Tan’
- Listen4 days ago
Prince Bright and Stonebwoy unveil their forthcoming EP with electrifying new song ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu)’
- World News1 week ago
Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad shot dead outside Baghdad home
- Buzz2 days ago
Oheneyere Mercy Aseidu, Gifty Anti, Stacy Amoateng, and other celebrities grace Akwaboah Jnr’s Traditional Wedding
- People & Lifestyle6 days ago
Kwadwo Sheldon’s Humorous Reconciliation Attempt with Shatta Wale