Spotify recently held a remarkable celebration in Lagos, Nigeria on the 13th and 14th of October, 2023, honoring the incredible journey of Afrobeats, a pop genre primarily led by Nigeria. This event, which took place at La Madison Place in Lekki, brought together key players in the music industry, including artists, music executives, fans, media personalities, and influencers. It was divided into two unique experiential events known as #SpotifyPodcastsLagos and #SpotifyAfrobeats, following Spotify’s June launch of the Afrobeats: Journey of a Billion Streams site, tracking the genre’s global ascent over the years.
The festivities commenced with a captivating masterclass led by Ncebakazi Manzi, Spotify’s podcast manager for sub-Saharan Africa. Enthusiasts had the opportunity to delve into the art of storytelling, innovative podcasting techniques, and Spotify’s unwavering support for podcast creators. A lively fireside chat followed, moderated by Gwenevier Ehimen Lem from the Association of African Podcasters and Voiceover Artists.
The second day saw a dynamic celebration featuring immersive experiences that allowed attendees to explore the rich history of Afrobeats. Emerging and established artists like Bloody Civilian, FAVE, Shallipopi, Sarz, and Ruger graced the stage with electrifying performances. Afrobeats, rooted primarily in West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana, artfully blends traditional African sounds with elements of hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. It has surged in global popularity over the past decade, particularly in the US and UK, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and CKay making waves on the charts. According to Spotify data, Afrobeats’ growth has been phenomenal, with a staggering 550% increase since 2017, amassing over 13 billion streams on the platform in 2022 alone. The genre has also fostered exciting collaborations between African and American popstars.
Spotify’s ongoing commitment to connecting people with the music they love was beautifully highlighted by their managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, who stated, “We’re thrilled to continue celebrating Afrobeats’ milestones and reinforce our commitment to the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.” This event showcased the undeniable influence and global appeal of Afrobeats, underlining its significance in the contemporary music landscape and its promising future.