The triumphant introduction of the Afrobeats: Journey of a Billion Streams platform, dedicated to commemorating the genre’s remarkable achievements, culminated in events that enthralled not only music enthusiasts but anyone fortunate enough to join in the extraordinary journey of Afrobeats.
From October 12 to 13, Spotify orchestrated two vibrant events – #SpotifyPodcastsLagos and #SpotifyAfrobeats – at the La Madison Place in Lekki, Lagos. The gatherings brought together a diverse audience, including celebrities, podcasters, influencers, music executives, media personalities, and ardent music fans. The events were a testament to the flourishing culture of Afrobeats and its remarkable journey over the years.
During the Afrobeats Celebration, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed, “At the core of Spotify’s mission is the drive to connect people with the music they cherish. We are delighted to continue commemorating the milestones of Afrobeats, reaffirming our dedication to nurturing the music ecosystem in Nigeria and throughout Africa.”
The festivities commenced with a masterclass led by Ncebakazi Manzi, Spotify’s Podcast Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. This session offered an insightful platform for podcast enthusiasts, delving into the art of storytelling, exploring inventive techniques, and showcasing Spotify’s unwavering support for podcast creators.
Following the masterclass, a fireside chat was facilitated by Gwenevier Ehimen Lem of the Association of African Podcasters and Voiceover Artists (APVA). The panel featured distinguished 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 visionary founder of Naija Podhub. This engaging discussion provided valuable insights into the podcasting landscape in Africa.
As the festivities continued, attendees were treated to enthralling live podcast recordings, featuring renowned Nigerian content creators Jola Ayeye and Feyikem Abudu from “I Said What I Said,” alongside Joey Akan from “Afrobeats Intelligence.”
During a conversation with Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, Joey Akan delved into various topics, ranging from the triumphs of Afrobeats to strategic playlisting, and Spotify’s impactful contributions to the music ecosystem.
The live show of “I Said What I Said” featured guest appearances by artists Nissi and Pheelz, followed by an engaging live Q&A session. The event culminated in an exhilarating performance by Pheelz, leaving the audience captivated.
Day 2 of the Celebration commenced with an electrifying atmosphere, drawing a massive turnout of enthusiastic Afrobeats lovers eager to immerse themselves in the night’s festivities.
The dance floor pulsed with energy, and the room buzzed with infectious excitement, courtesy of DJ Tohbad, who expertly curated a continuous stream of chart-topping tracks by Nigerian artists.
The evening effortlessly transitioned into a series of performances featuring some of the most talented emerging and established artists from Nigeria. Spotify RADAR Africa artist, Bloody Civilian, had guests singing along to her hits, including ‘I Don’t Like You,’ making it a standout moment of the event. Following was FAVE, a Spotify EQUAL artist, who captivated the crowd with her chart-toppers like ‘Baby Riddim,’ ‘Beautifully,’ and ‘Mr Man,’ leaving guests yearning for more. The evening was truly an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
More than just a music event, Spotify’s Afrobeats Celebration stood as a tribute to culture, diversity, and the unifying power of music. With a staggering 15 billion streams and climbing, Spotify continues to be a trailblazer in the music industry. This journey is only in its infancy, and the anticipation of what lies ahead is palpable. We eagerly await what the future holds.
