Showbiz

Spotify’s RADAR: Showcasing Diverse Sounds Redefining Africa’s Music Scene

Published

2 years ago

09/05/2024

Spotify’s RADAR program is dedicated to bringing rising talent to the forefront globally, showcasing what is next in sound, and lifting artists by helping them expand their global reach on their path to superstardom.

The past few years have been a clear testament to the growth of African music globally, and this year, Spotify’s RADAR Africa program is shining a spotlight on the continent’s rising stars. Joining the ranks of previous RADAR Alumni such as Ayra Starr, Victony, BNXN, and Bloody Civilian from Nigeria, Shallipopi is the latest addition to the RADAR Africa list. Hailing from Eswatini, Manana who is South African-based follows in the footsteps of luminaries like Tyla and DBN Gogo, representing his nation’s thriving music scene.

Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka’s inclusion underscores the program’s commitment to showcasing the diverse talents that make the African continent proud through their art, following in the footsteps of fellow East African RADAR Alumni Xenia Manasseh from Kenya, with both representing the region.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa says “This cohort represents some of the continent’s most promising artists. As African artists continue to rise globally, Spotify is excited to continue playing its part in the rise and discovery of local artists, showcasing their diverse talents to the world.”

Shallipopi, popularly called “Presido De La Pluto” by his fans, gained popularity through viral freestyles, offering a fresh perspective on street culture and influencing street lingo through his music. Hailing from the culturally rich Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria, Shallipopi proudly showcases his roots on tracks like “Obapluto,” one of his top five most-listened-to songs on Spotify, following “Ex Convict”. His track “Cast” holds the top spot as his most-streamed song, while his album “Shakespopi,” which has amassed over 13 million streams since its release, further highlights how he adeptly fuses tradition with modernity, and seamlessly blends his cultural heritage with contemporary elements.

Shallipopi’s reach continues to grow, with over 1.9 million additions to playlists in the last 12 months and a global audience led by Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and South Africa over the last 28 days. The street-loved artist is embraced by Gen Z’s with 52% of his listeners aged 18-27 and millennials with 19% at 28-34. He also commands a larger male following at 66% compared to female following at 31% over the last 28 days.

Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka burst onto the scene with his soulful 2020 debut “Tomorrow,” captivating listeners across Africa and globally, and amassing a fervent following. Nigeria stands as the top country streaming his music the most on Spotify over the last 28 days, a testament to the viral success of his hit “NANA”, also his most-streamed song. Nana remix featuring African superstars Joeboy, King Promise and Bien further solidifies his popularity, ranking among Baraka’s top three most-listened tracks, trailing closely behind his other smash hit “Dalilah.”

While Nigeria leads the charge, Baraka’s cross-cultural resonance is evident as Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, and his native country Uganda follow among his top five streaming countries, underscoring the singer’s ability to craft melodies that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. His core Spotify audience over the last 28 days spans Gen Z and millennials, with 53% aged 18-27 and 25% aged 28-34, while his male listenership at 59% outpaces females at 38%, further highlighting his capacity to captivate audiences across genders. With over 195k playlist adds on Spotify in the last 12 months, his ever-growing fanbase is a true showcase to the power of cross-cultural relevance and the boundless possibilities of artistic collaboration.

Hailing from eSwatini, Manana is a multi-talented singer, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter renowned for his lush melodies and jazzy R&B production. His soulful performances and masterful songwriting prowess, include credits with Burna Boy, Jon Vinyl, Sauti Sol, and the legendary Usher, which helped catapult him to prominence.

Manana’s global appeal is evident as South Africa, the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and the United Kingdom emerged as the top five countries streaming his music over the last 28 days. He has garnered over 144k playlist adds in the past 12 months and with an audience comprising 50% male listeners and 43% female listeners. His music resonates strongly with the younger demographic aged 18-27 making up 58% of his total streams and 23% aged 28-34, over the last 28 days. Additionally, one of his most streamed tracks on Spotify “Distance – Acoustic” features his exceptional songwriting talent.

We had a sit down with Shallipopi, Manana and Joshua Baraka to delve deeper into their music and creative journey.

SHALLIPOPI

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

My music is experimental music or what I call Afro-talk. It’s just my type of sound.

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

It feels great. It’s an opportunity for more people to meet me at the front. This is just the beginning.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

Nothing surprises me about the music game – I’m enjoying it. The big lesson is not to give up. Just do what you’re doing and listen to the people close to you.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

I’m excited about everything because this is my dream. Doing music back to back, I’ve been doing music since I was a child so everything about it is exciting.

MANANA

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

I would say I make alternative RnB, with a singer-songwriter twist. My influences are a combination of training from my upbringing, harmonies from choir school, chord progressions from jazz studies and then the rest is from hearing RnB and neo-soul music from my brother’s CD collection

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

Feels good. It’s a privilege, I’m very grateful. It is reassuring and encouraging to see that the work we’re putting in is appreciated.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

I don’t think I’ve had any surprises. But I think the struggle I had to deal with was comparison. I think social media has given us access to parts of the world that previously weren’t easily accessible, but has also exposed us to this feeling of inadequacy that maybe isn’t warranted. I think focusing on what I’m doing and not trying to make music that would be viral or “challenge-friendly” has been my biggest lesson.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

Growth. Every year I start with that being my goal. I’m not sure what that looks like exactly but I know consistent growth has no limit. So that’s the hope for the future.

JOSHUA BARAKA

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

I’d describe my musical style as an interpretation of what I feel at the time I’m making that particular piece of music. Basically, my music is who I am so I’d describe my music as another version of me. I’ve been influenced by a lot of gospel musicians because I grew up in a staunch Christian family. As I grew up and got access to more genres of music, I became obsessed with Bob Marley, Chronixx, jazz music in general and every RnB artist I could find.

I’ve also been influenced by Ugandan artists like Radio from the duo Radio and Weasel, Maurice Kirya and Elly Wamala.

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

It feels really good to be chosen to be a part of this year’s RADAR artists. I feel like a part of something bigger than myself. It’s a step in the right direction and vision which is to shine light on Uganda and East Africa in general.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

What surprised me the most about the music industry is how different it is from whatever you see on TV and the internet. It’s not as smooth and easy as it’s made to appear. My biggest lesson so far is that you need to show up regardless of how you feel and do what you need to do. That is the price for growth.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

I’m excited for the day Uganda is recognized on the music scene globally because we have a lot of talents, tujja tujja. For myself, I’m excited to share all the new music I have been working on and some serious work coming up. I’m excited about where all this journey is headed

Check out Shallipoppi’s ASAP and Cast, Manana’s Hold Me Tight and Sunday Morning, as well as Joshua Baraka’s Dalilah and Nana Remix on RADAR Africa. Assets to go along with your story are attached. Let me know if you have any questions or are interested in covering!

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6 Things We Expect To See On Africa Magic’s ‘Heartbeat’

Published

2 days ago

12/01/2026

Business Post Contributor

The first episode of Africa Magic’s newest dating reality show, Heartbeat, premiered on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, and it is clear that Sunday nights are about to get a lot more fun. The singles came in and wasted no time in giving a show.

With Seyitan Atigarin at the helm and ten eclectic singles searching for a “Promise Lock,” the stage is set for a 12-week journey that promises to be more than just your average dating show.

Following an impressive first episode, here are five things we expect to see as the season unfolds.

1) Strong Personalities:

These singles came in with all confidence in who they are and what they represent. They have an idea of what they are looking for and seem like they will be going for it. Will there be a personality clash at some point or even ego bruises over partners? Time will definitely tell, and we’ll all be watching.

2) The Inevitable (and Messy) Love Triangle

If the First Glance reveal told us anything, it’s that tastes in the house are overlapping fast. We’ve already seen Henri and Ken eyeing the same ladies, while more than one woman seems intrigued by Igwe’s “cool and collected” energy. We expect a classic love triangle to form by the end of week two. There is nothing like a little competition to turn a “Love Pad” into a pressure cooker, and we are here for every bit of the “who-chose-who” drama.

3) Romance and Some “Heated” Tension:

If there is one thing that was obvious in the first episode, it is that the singles may have some physical attractions already. All thanks to the love pad, we got a first kiss from Ken and Queen Latifa, and one can only wonder what is to come in the following weeks.

4) High-Stakes “Compatibility” Challenges

Heartbeat isn’t just about sitting around and looking pretty. We expect to see weekly games and challenges specifically designed to test more than just physical attraction. From teamwork exercises that reveal who has a short fuse to “compatibility quizzes” that expose how well the pairs actually know each other, these tasks will likely be the catalyst for the season’s biggest arguments and its most romantic breakthroughs.

5) Intellectual Fireworks (The “Slumflower” Effect)

With Chidera Eggerue (The Slumflower) in the house, we aren’t just getting romance; we’re getting a masterclass in boundaries and emotional intelligence. Chidera has already made it clear she isn’t here for “bare minimum” energy. We expect her presence to challenge the men to step up their game, not just with flashy gifts, but with deep, intentional conversation. Expect some heated debates on feminism, dating standards, and “the patriarchy” over breakfast.

6) The “Promise Lock” Pressure Cooker

The show’s ultimate prize isn’t just a partner; it’s the Promise Lock. As the 12-week deadline approaches, the pressure to “lock it in” is going to turn friends into foes. We expect the final episodes to be a high-stakes showdown where couples have to decide if their “house romance” can survive a Lagos traffic jam or a Ghanaian family meeting. Who will commit, and who will leave their partner hanging at the gate?

Heartbeat Episode 1 successfully set the stage for a season of “romance, tension, and side-eyes.” If what we saw on the first episode is any indication, we’re in for a very messy, very entertaining three months. Catch the next episode on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) at 9 pm on Sunday. You can also watch all the drama on the go via the DStv and GOtv Stream apps, available on the iOS and Play stores.

Showbiz

What I Want to be Remembered for—Ckay

Published

2 days ago

12/01/2026

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Love Nwantiti crooner, Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, professionally known as Ckay, recently told CNN International on African Voices, which aired on January 10, 2026, the legacy he intends to leave behind.

Speaking in his home studio with the show anchor, Larry Madowo, the singer said, “I want my legacy to be that I innovated the sound, I advanced the culture, and I made the world a better place than I met it.”

Ckay, who also doubles as a songwriter and producer, further said, “I would say it’s definitely made its mark in the history books of Afrobeats, definitely, and I’m really proud to, you know, be a part of this whole culture.”

While explaining the rationale behind his biggest hit, Love Nwantiti, with over a billion streams on Spotify, said, “I was in between relationships at the time I wrote that song […]. I was making a beat, and I freestyled on the beats. I was just vibing my feelings straight from the heart. Like most times I don’t always take a pen and write songs. Sometimes I like to just pour it straight from the heart.”

With other popular releases such as Emiliana and Felony, Ckay spoke to his growth as an artist, saying, “As a person I’ve grown in love with each time I make a song. If you listen to the lyrics and what I’m saying, you can tell that I’ve grown in love […]. I’m a lot more mature now and my music has grown with it as well.”

Ckay broke out by going viral on TikTok and reflects on the phenomenon of social media trends and he said, “There was a time when in the early stages of this people would laugh that I was making TikToks for songs. People didn’t think it was cool to make TikToks. Fast forward now because people have seen the impact, everybody is making TikToks.”

He is carving his own path in the world of Afrobeats. His music comes under the subgenre of Emo Afrobeats. He tells Madowo how this sound came about, “Being a cancer, cancers are known to be emotional people. We’re known to be very like in touch with our feelings. As a creative, my essence, which is my feelings, just naturally comes through my music even without me really trying. Afrobeats being my cultural heritage, I just felt like for me to come into this space, it was very important that I brought a different perspective to the sound.”

Despite using the term ‘Afrobeats’, Ckay addresses the overgeneralisation of the style of music, saying, “Africa has over 50 countries, more than 50 cultures. Nigeria alone has over 36 ethnic groups with different languages, food, music, rhythm. With the music they also have their own instruments also not all of them play guitar and piano, there’s African instruments too. Coming to a whole continent and just calling everything Afrobeats, it’s not the most apt, but it’s a start, right? I think for the Western world, it’s a start to help them understand African music.”

Showbiz

Heartbeat, The Split and Other Shows To Watch This Weekend on DStv

Published

5 days ago

09/01/2026

Business Post Contributor

If you’re wondering what to stream this week on DStv as the new year settles in and the first full workweek wraps up, we’ve got you. From a brand-new reality dating show that’s about to break the internet to crime drama that will have you at the edge of your seat, here’s your ultimate guide to what to watch.

Heartbeat – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)

Starting with the star of the week, Heartbeat. It’s Africa Magic’s new dating reality show premiering on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The show brings together 10 singles, five men and five women, all looking for love in a specially designed love pad. Over 12 weeks, the cameras will capture every flirt, fight, and awkward silence, plus the games and challenges that push them to get to know each other intimately.

And yes, some of these contestants are here for the love and drama. We’ve got Chidera ‘The Slumflower’ Eggrue, Alvin Leonard, Queen Latifah, Igwe Cruise, and more. If you love romance and reality TV chaos, this is your Sunday night fix.

Paris & Nicole: The Encore – M-Net (DStv 101)

Airing on Sat, January 10 at 10pm, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are set to take over your screen. This time, the BFFs are writing, producing, and starring in a one-word opera inspired by their childhood song “Sanasa.”

Episode 3, titled ‘The Sanasapera!’, is pure chaos. They work at Sonic, hijack a Hollywood celebrity tour to find an audience, and then get on stage to perform. If you love ridiculous, unfiltered celebrity energy that makes you question what “high art” even is, this one’s for you.

There’s a Zulu On My Stoep – M-Net Movies 4 (DStv 108)

Perfect for the weekend is this South African classic airing on Saturday, January 10, at 6:25pm. The film follows two boys who meet in South Africa and form a lifelong friendship, then reunite as adults for a wild adventure.

Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring Leon Schuster, John Matshikiza, and Wilson Dunster, it’s a mix of heartfelt bonding and fun. Basically, it’s the perfect palate cleanse before veering into reality TV drama.

Dating: No Filter South Africa – Bravo (DStv 124)

If you can’t get enough of dating drama, this South African reality series is a must-watch. On the show, singles go on blind dates, and their every move is accompanied by hilarious commentary from SA’s funniest celebrities.

Episodes 5 & 6 of Season 2 promise awkward encounters, accidental sparks, and laugh-out-loud commentary. Perfect if you’re into late-night TV chaos and love seeing people make all the wrong moves in the name of love. It’s airing on Sunday, January 11, at 11:45pm.

The Split – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)

Taking you into the world of Nollywood, The Split is a high-stakes financial crime drama that will have you holding your breath. The 26-episode series follows three bankers who pocket money that isn’t theirs. When the deceased account owner’s son resurfaces with proof, their pact unravels, sending the trio spiralling into guilt, fear, and betrayal.

With stars like Anee Icha, Baaj Adebule, Esosa Benard, and David Jones David, this one is your Thursday and Friday night adrenaline fix. It airs at 8:30pm.

Daughters of Water – Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151)

Still on must-watch Nollywood shows, Daughters of Water is one to look out for. The drama follows the journey of destiny and spiritual heritage through Anie, a disgraced investigative journalist who returns to her hometown, Ikot Ndem, seeking a comeback. Her arrival coincides with the sacred Ukang Festival, where seven “Daughters of Water” from special families take part in a river-dipping ceremony to honour river spirits.

Starring Imoh Eboh as Anie, alongside Ade Laoye, Teniola Aladese, and Bobby Ogbolu, new episodes are released every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:30 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), and you can catch up on previous episodes on Showmax.

All these shows and more are available on DStv, with subscribers still enjoying the opportunity to receive an instant upgrade when they stay connected on their current package or renew on any eligible package, unlocking more movies, sports, kids’ content and local shows from January to February 2026.