Asake And Ayra Starr Dominate Spotify’s African Heat Playlist 

Spotify has announced a substantial revamp of its African Heat Playlist.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

The playlist, which has over a million followers on the app, has emerged as one of the most important platforms for African music to reach new listeners in the streaming age.

It has become a nexus linking lovers of the continent’s music via a common passion of these famous sounds by assisting listeners in discovering new and upcoming African hits.

With African music’s rising worldwide worth and attention, as well as its performers’ expanding footprints on stages and in stadiums throughout the globe, African Heat has thrown a light on and validated some of the continent’s most significant songs and events since its inception.

African Heat has contributed to announcing significant songs like Ckay’s ‘Love Nwantiti,’ Wizkid’s ‘Essence,’ and DBN Gogo’s ‘Love and Loyalty,’ among others, since 2018. The playlist has included music from all around the continent and a democratized platform for budding artists to reach worldwide audiences.

The new African Heat will prioritize exposure and awareness across Africa’s artist and listener groups. The playlist’s makeover takes inspiration from public transportation throughout Africa, notably renowned vehicles like the Trotro, Danfo, and Matatu, to channel music flow across the continent and beyond.

The playlist will sport a new visual identity to evoke further the concept of African Heat as a vehicle, including an updated version of the now-famous cover that has hosted some of the continent’s top performers. The playlist name design now includes a border inspired by registration numbers, speedometer dials, and a gradient that depicts different types of heat.

In addition, the campaign will include contributions from and talks with some of Africa’s most intriguing upcoming and veteran musicians, as well as live aspects to bring the new African Heat to life and engage listeners.

Spotify data indicates which African Heat musicians have been the most popular in the last 90 days and where they find their fans.

Top artists on African Heat in the last 90 days

1. Asake
2. Ayra Starr
3. Omah Lay
4. Fireboy DML
5. Burna Boy
6. Lojay
7. Kizz Daniel
8. Young Jonn
9. Sarz
10. Davido

The geographical location of users streaming African Heat in the last 90 days

1. USA
2. UK
3. Nigeria
4. France
5. Kenya
6. Germany
7. Netherlands
8. Canada
9. South Africa
10. Ghana