Apple Music: ‘Africa Now Radio’ with Nandi Madida this Friday features DJ Neptune

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With DJ Neptune, and the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week!

Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida this Friday, September 6th at 9am Lagos/London / 10am Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

Cover Star Interview
Nigerian beatsmith and producer DJ Neptune joins Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest single, the Qing Madi collab, “Honest.” He also discusses his new album, ‘Greatness III,’ and the impact of DJs on the global music industry.

This Week’s Hottest New Tracks
Nandi Madida shares the hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Zee Nxumalo & TBO, MaWhoo & Master KG feat. Harry Cane & Eemoh, The Therapist & Khalil Harrison feat. Tyler ICU & Magicsticks, Shallipopi, and Alpha P & Kemuel.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, September 6th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.

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DJ Neptune Tells Apple Music about the Power of the DJ

You can’t downplay the effort of the DJ. Basically we’re the link… from the finished product to the consumer. You have millions of DJs working globally every hour, every day, every minute servicing mixes, remixes, performing at festivals on big stages, on radio… and they are making sure the music is getting to where it needs to get to, with a different vibe. We’re going to continue preaching this ministry, until the world understands that without the DJs, there’s no party.

DJ Neptune Tells Apple Music About His Track, the Olivetheboy Collab, “Emmanuella”

That record came real fast. I remember Olivetheboy visited Nigeria, and I caught him in a studio, and I’m like, “Look, this is the beat we’re working on. I don’t care, I know you’ll deliver.” Shout out to Olivetheboy because he came correct. That’s a global smash right there! Elements of different sounds from different parts of the world, and then having that Ghanaian boy killing it? I feel blessed.

Shout out to [producer] RewardBeatz—crazy kid right there. He’s done so many hits, from Kizz Daniel’s “Buga” to Young Jonn’s “Xtra Cool”, and a whole lot more. He produced some major hits on this album as well.

DJ Neptune Tells Apple Music About His Track, the Bruce Melodie and Bayanni Collab, “Forever”

I feel that’s going to be a big wedding anthem, because I mean everyone wants to get into that space and live happily ever after, forever. Shout to to Bruce Melodie from Rwanda—that’s me on my pan-African moves!—and shout to Bayanni. Bayanni killed his verse; the vocals were smooth. That’s an amazing record.

When we got into the studio to create “Forever,” I just told the guys I wanted something in that celebratory wedding space, whereby I mean anyone that’s getting engaged or married, that’s the song they want to listen to or have their first dance to. They got the picture, and put the work together. Shout out to the team, shout out to everyone loving Forever. Amazing record—let’s take it to the top!

DJ Neptune Tells Apple Music What People Can Expect from His Album, ‘Greatness III’ 

Keep your mind open; feel the great vibe. [There is] lots of young amazing talent on this project and I was very intentional with that, because I know these guys are the future leaders when it comes to controlling the African sound. Also, the established artists that I have on the project—shout out to everyone I worked with.

Open your mind, listen to the genres: there’s hip-hop, there’s R&B. Shout out to Soundz; if you’re looking for proper R&B, “Wait For You” is on the project. If you want to dance, we’ve got “Emmanuella.” We’ve got “Body” [with] L.A.X; we’ve got “Too Much” with Ajebo Hustlers, if you want to unwind. If you want to be in that dancehall space, I’ve got a track, “Tonight,” with my brother Joshua Baraka from Uganda—so like there’s something for everybody. Keep your mind open and listen to the album; I know you’ll love it.