Spotify has reaffirmed Africa’s global influence in contemporary music through its experiential pop-up, Greasy Tunes Café, which showcased the deep cultural roots shaping modern African sound.
Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify, said in a statement on Monday that the initiative underscored the vital role of tradition in defining Africa’s evolving musical identity.
She said the pop-up highlighted how genres such as Amapiano and Afrobeats continue to gain international recognition while remaining grounded in authentic cultural heritage.
“The world knows African music is having a global moment, but to genuinely grasp its power, one must look closely at its roots,” Okumu said. “This connection between deep-seated heritage and the sounds of tomorrow defined the inaugural week at the Greasy Tunes Café.”
She added that the event served as a masterclass in cultural cohesion, blending ancestral influences with modern production to showcase both the foundation and future of African sound.
A key highlight was a fireside chat titled “The Evolving Sounds of African Music”, moderated by Spotify Senior Editor, Benewah Boateng, featuring Nigerian producers Andre Vibes and Braye alongside Brazilian artiste Melly.
Vibes noted that percussion remained the universal element defining Afrobeats.
Cultural symbolism was also celebrated through a performance by the Eyo masquerade, linking Lagos’s rich traditions to contemporary expression.
Another panel, “Cultural Symbolism and African Music,” featuring DJ Spinall and rapper Vector, moderated by Jide Taiwo, explored the inseparable relationship between African music and its heritage.
The event also featured RADAR Presents: FOLA , Catharsis Love, where Nigerian artiste FOLA delivered an emotional performance reflecting urban Lagos life and the healing power of storytelling through music.
Okumu said the Spotify pop-up not only celebrated African creativity but reinforced that the continent’s music draws its global strength from preserving its cultural lineage.
(NAN)