By Babajide Awoyinfa

Spotify has announced Nigerian Afrobeats talent, Fola, and South African Afro House DJ and producer, Thakzin, as part of its RADAR Africa initiative.

According to the streaming platform, these artistes have promoted and shaped Sub-Saharan Africa’s music scene.

Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said this in a statement on Thursday.

According to her, the platform is committed to discovering and amplifying emerging voices in championing boundary-pushing artistes shaping the sound of tomorrow.

Okumu said that Spotify Radar was not just a platform, but a launchpad.

“It reflects Spotify’s commitment to empowering local artistes across Sub-Saharan Africa and delivering the best listening experience in the region.

“From Lagos to Johannesburg, RADAR celebrates the diversity of talent on the continent, offering artistes equal access to global audiences.

“At Spotify, we believe in the power of African storytelling through music,” she said.

She described FOLA and Thakzin as incredibly unique artistes who represent the spirit of RADAR.

“By amplifying their journeys, we hope to inspire more creators across the continent to believe in their vision and reach for bigger stages,” she said.

Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, first caught attention with his freestyles on social media, quickly making a name for himself with his blend of Afrobeats rhythms and soulful storytelling.

His breakout EP ‘What A Feeling’, featuring the Bella Shmurda-assisted hit, “Who Does That”, laid the foundation for a fast-rising career that now includes collaborations with BNXN, Magixx, and BhadBoi OML.

“Looking at where I’m coming from, I see every opportunity as a blessing. So, it’s a blessing to have been selected, just like others before me.

“I want my fans to know that in the midst of all the noise, I made something they could truly connect with, feel and share with those who mean something to them.

“I want everyone who listens to, at the very least, recognise that they’re witnessing the early days of something truly special,” Fola said.

On the southern tip of the continent, Thakzin’s journey began in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, with early jazz and kwaito influences.

Also, a deep respect for traditional percussion shaped his signature sound.

With co-signs from Black Coffee and international tastemakers like Laurent Garnier, his genre-defying approach to Afro House, was heard in his 2023 anthem, “The Magnificent Dance”.

Following the release of Magnificent Dance, his version of ‘Horns In The Sun’, by DJ Kent, became a viral hit across South Africa and gained global traction, potentially surpassing the success of ‘Magnificent Dance’.

Thakzin’s sound is rooted in African spirituality and healing, inspired by the rhythmic power of traditional drums.

Shaped by a musical upbringing and guided by his father, a keyboardist, he blends rich harmonies with percussive elements to create an immersive Afro-house experience. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran