• The all-female lineup joins last year’s alumni Ayra Starr, DBN Gogo, Black Sherif, Victony, BNXN, and Buruklyn Boyz.
Image: SPOTIFY
The global streaming platform, Spotify, has revealed five new African artists that will be joining a global cohort as part of the RADAR programme.
This year’s list of African artists includes Nigeria’s Bloody Civilian and Ria Sean, Ghana’s Baaba J, Kenya’s Xenia Manasseh, and South Africa’s Tyla.
The programme is dedicated to driving the discovery of emerging artists across the world.
The all-female lineup joins last year’s alumni Ayra Starr, DBN Gogo, Black Sherif, Victony, BNXN, and Buruklyn Boyz.
According to a statement made by the global streaming platform, last year’s alumni were all exposed to new fan communities as a result of the programme.
“They represent a wide range of styles, from the ambient sounds of West Africa to the masterful Amapiano of South African townships, R&B, alternative, and the creative Afropop that has been taking the world by storm,” the statement read in part.
“What they all share is a commitment to pushing boundaries and forging new paths in their careers.”
Since its launch in 2020, Spotify’s RADAR programme is dedicated to continue supporting artists on their paths to superstardom.
It is also aimed at helping rising talent at all stages of their development and strengthening their connection to audiences.
“These African artists joining the Spotify RADAR programme represent the very best that the continent has to offer,” Spotify said.
Spotify’s artist and label partnerships manager, West Africa, Victor Okpala said as the music industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to find new ways to support emerging talent.
He added that it is also essential to offer them a chance at success both on and off the platform.
"We are thrilled to welcome Xenia Manasseh, Bloody Civilian, Ria Sean, Tyla, and Baaba J to the RADAR programme. These artists represent the diversity and vibrancy of the African music scene and we are excited to support them as they continue to grow their careers," Okpala said.
From today, Spotify intends to prioritise the promotion of RADAR playlists, RADAR podcasts, Spotify Singles, and priority releases from RADAR artists across all regions.