African music continues to connect with audiences around the world, with artists, genres, and cultural movements shaping how listeners discover and engage with music across the continent. As these sounds evolve and new voices emerge, the conversations around African music are becoming just as important as the music itself.
That’s where Culture Club comes in. Spotify’s editorial-led podcast puts African music and culture at centre stage, bringing listeners into the room with Spotify Editors and friends to explore the genres, moments and movements shaping the continent right now. From emerging sounds and the stories behind them to the artists driving cultural conversations, each episode offers a closer look at what’s moving African music forward.
Here are five Culture Club episodes that capture the artists, sounds and cultural movements shaping African music today:
1. Episode 1: Afrobeats – Unpacking the global phenomenon
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The debut episode explores Afrobeats’ journey from a regional movement to a sound with a global audience. The conversation looks at the artists, influences and cultural moments that have helped shape the genre, while exploring how streaming and digital connectivity have contributed to its growing reach.
2. Episode 6: LADIPOE on the rise of Nigerian Hip-Hop and Africa’s creative future
In this episode, Spotify’s Senior Editor for West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, sits down with LADIPOE to explore the evolving Nigerian Hip-Hop landscape. Despite ongoing conversations about whether “rap is dead,” Spotify data shows a 3,080% increase in Hip-Hop streams in Nigeria since 2021.
LADIPOE discusses Afrobeats’ role in bringing global attention to Nigerian music, while highlighting Hip-Hop’s influence on the country’s wider musical landscape. The conversation also touches on pan-African collaborations, global recognition for African artists and the personal experiences behind LADIPOE’s creative journey.
3. Episode7: Lekompo – The sound of South Africa’s streets
This episode turns the spotlight to Lekompo, a high-energy sound originating from Limpopo that has gained momentum across streaming platforms and social media. The episode explores the sound and cultural influences behind Lekompo, as well as how local youth culture and digital platforms are helping regional sounds reach wider audiences.
4. Episode 8: Joshua Baraka on East Africa’s New Wave
Ugandan singer-songwriter Joshua Baraka takes centre stage as he shares his perspective on East Africa’s evolving soundscape. Known for blending R&B, Afrobeats and local African rhythms, Baraka discusses the opportunities and challenges facing artists in the region. The conversation highlights how streaming platforms like Spotify can help artists connect with audiences beyond their home markets, build international fanbases and contribute to a growing East African sound.
5. Episode 9: Zee Nxumalo on Amapiano, voice, and identity
Episode 9 features South African artist Zee Nxumalo and explores her journey within the evolving Amapiano movement. Zee discusses her creative process, navigating a rapidly growing audience and the importance of female voices within the genre. The conversation also looks at how Amapiano continues to evolve while connecting with listeners in South Africa and around the world.
From established global genres to emerging regional sounds, these five episodes of Culture Club offer a snapshot of the artists, conversations and cultural movements shaping African music today.
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