Following Apple Music’s recent expansion into 25 more African Countries; rounding up to a total of 33 countries, the streaming platform has unveiled a month long campaign dedicated to the fine selection of cross-genre African music. The Apple Music Africa Month campaign seeks to celebrate Africa’s top artists and compositions.
For Africa Month, Apple Music has commissioned 15 guest playlists curated by some of the continent’s finest artists as well as a playlist featuring the biggest African songs of all time. The curators include Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Davido (Nigeria), Abdullah Ibrahim (South Africa), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Aya Nakamura (Mali/France), Jimmy Dludlu (Mozambique), Kiff No Beat (Ivory Coast), Msaki (SA), Simphiwe Dana (SA), Stanley Enow (Cameroon).
Meanwhile, designers Laolu (Nigeria) and Karabo Poppy (SA) curated the Naija Hits and Afrobeats Hits playlists.
“This playlist is not an exhaustive snapshot of all of the important artists and genres, but is more like a journey through my musical life with the songs that inspired me and the many friendships I’ve found with my fellow African musicians.”
Apple Music And Africa
Additionally, Just last month, Apple Music launched its Stream Local initiative as part of efforts to support South African artists during the coronavirus outbreak. Featured playlists include, among several others, Mzansi Hits, Mzansi House, Amapiano Lifestyle, Afrikaanse Treffers and Mzansi Soul as well as Essentials playlists from South Africa’s biggest hip-hop artists Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest and many others.
Speaking on the Africa Month Campaign, Nigeria’s Super Star, Davido said: “The world is currently in an odd place but I am staying positive and hoping for the best. It has given me a chance to enjoy some of the good things of life that work normally does not let me enjoy as much. For example, spending time with my family, especially my fiancé and son. The tracks on this playlist have made our mini house parties a lit situation.”
