The global online streaming platform, Spotify, has listed South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia and Uganda as the top African countries listening to R&B on the platform.
This was revealed in a statement on Wednesday by Monica Kemoli Savanne, Artist and Label partnership Manager, East Africa, in Lagos, Nigeria. She noted that Africa’s thirst for quality R&B is undeniable, even in Francophone and Lusophone countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Angola.
She calls this notable resurgence an exciting transformation, despite the dominance of Afrobeats, Amapiano and others.
“It is on the back of this sweeping growth that R&B collaborations between international icons and African artistes are becoming more commonplace than they were only a decade ago.”
“From the mesmerising strains of WAIT FOR U by Drake, Future, and Tems to the captivating melodies of Monalisa by Chris Brown, Lojay, and Sarz, and Chris Brown tapping Wizkid for Call Me Everyday, Africa’s stars are shining bright on the world stage”
“And now, African singers are also connecting with one another to release global hits all on their own”
“The Ghana-Nigeria collaboration on Camidoh’s Sugarcane (Remix) featuring King Promise, Darkoo, and Mayorkun as well as Essence by Nigerian powerhouses Wizkid and Tems, are treating the ears of music lovers near and far,” she added.
The Weekend, Chris Brown, SZA, Rihanna and Beyonce top the list for the artists who the Africa R&B listeners listen to.
According to Kemoli Savanne, R&B in Africa shows how Africans are creative and can adapt. She said while R&B is best known for its soulful melodies centered on love and relationships, African artists are giving it a unique look infusing it with our culture.
“Musicians across the continent are seamlessly blending soulful vocals with traditional African rhythms, Afrobeat grooves, and contemporary production techniques.”
“This blend produces a sound that not only resonates with listeners but also bridges the gap between the past and the present.”
“It is no surprise therefore that most of the R&B streams in Sub Saharan Africa come from Gen Z’s ,aged between 18 and 24, followed by 25 to 29-year-olds.”
“R&B in Africa is more alive than ever. As this borderless journey continues to move like wildfire, we see that the power of music has no boundaries, whether by location or generation,” she stated
She added that to utilise the growing popularity, Spotify in partnership with COLOR×STUDIOS will create a multi-day R&B camp in Kenya. The writing camp will take place in the first week of October, it will bring together artists, songwriters and producers from across Africa and beyond.
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