African artists in the spotlight this month
EXCLUSIVE guest playlists and cross-continental collaborations are the order of the month as Apple Music celebrates all things African.
The streaming platform is shining a spotlight on the new generation of African artists who are changing the narrative in the music industry, locally and abroad.
The campaign is themed around Umoja and a message of unity and togetherness. It features an exclusive Africa Month Umoja playlist which includes some of the best cross-continental collaborations in recent memory, with music from Focalistic and Davido, Naira Marley and Busiswa, Gyakie featuring Omah Lay as well as AKA featuring Burna Boy.
Africa Month will also be supported across Apple Music Radio. Africa Now Radio with Cuppy will be hosting an Africa Month ‘Umoja’ special on Sunday, May 30, to celebrate the first anniversary of the show and pay tribute to some of the best collaborations on the continent.
Each week on The Ebro Show, Ebro will interview a guest artist to talk about their exclusive Africa Month playlist, as well as featuring a weekly Motivation Mix from DJs across the continent.
Nadeska will also be featuring her Africa Rising artist of the week slot on The Nadeska Show each week during the month.
Zimbabwean singer Sha Sha, who embodies African collaborations, said she loved the Afrocentric nuance of the songs she has picked for the guest playlist.
“There’s a rhythm and energy about Africa that’s probably best expressed through our music.”
Nigerian singer Tems said the songs on her playlist transported her to different times in her life and reminded her of how music was able to take people back to a particular place and feeling.
South African trending star Focalistic said his playlist made him proud to be African.
“The pure and exciting creative genius from these African artists makes me proud and sure that Africa to the world is an important mission. I can’t wait for the African Sghubu to take over the world and for the culture to influence many more generations,” he said.
These artists form part of the group of 12 artists who have made exclusive guest playlists.