26th May, 2022
Spotify, an online music streaming platform, said it celebrated six African artistes and podcasters who had made their voices heard and showed the world the vast array of African talents.
Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, in a statement on Thursday, said that the artistes were celebrated in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday.
Muhutu-Remy said that the artistes celebrated were Kenya’s Chris Kaiga and Nikita Kering’; Nigeria’s Ladipoe and Preyé; and South Africa’s Nomfundo Moh and Zoë Modiga.
She said the podcasters were: Kenya’s Mantalk.ke and The Sandwich Podcast; Nigeria’s I Said What I Said, and Tea with Tay; and South Africa’s True Crime ZA and After School is After School with Sis G.
According to her, the host for the show was the multi-talented Patricia Kihoro, as she shared the Spotify journey in Africa and how platforms like Spotify can help out African storytelling on the map.
“A creator panel featuring Eli and Oscar of Mantalk.ke, Jola from I Said What I Said podcast and South African artiste, Zoë Modiga, reiterated the importance of telling our own stories as a way of changing the perceptions of the continent.
“Spotify also announced the creation of the Africa Podcast Grant to help highlight voices from the continent.
“The $100,000 grant will be given to 10 creators that are telling Africa’s story, this fund aims to amplify underrepresented stories and perspectives in podcasting,” she said.
According to her, the party officially kicked off with Blinky Bill, who delivered an electrifying set that got everyone dancing, and a couple of Kenyans in the house joined him on stage.
“South African dancer-turned-artist, Kamo Mphela, took the stage right after with a building shaking performance.
“DBN Gogo was next with an Amapiano set, before the main act of the night, Nasty C took the stage.
“The Coolest Kid in Africa definitely delivered, ending with his hit song, “Particular”.
“To close off the night, Juls took to the decks for an Afrobeats set that left everyone wanting more.
“This is the first of many initiatives to come,” she said.
Muhutu-Remy said that Spotify would like to highlight even more African creators on an even bigger scale.
“This is to ensure that the whole world knows that Africa is not just a moment, it is here to stay,” she said.