+Playlist
Apple Music launches new global initiative ‘The Sounds Of Africa’ in celebration of Africa Month
Apple Music today announces The Sounds Of Africa, a new global initiative celebrating five of the most influential music capitals across Africa—Accra, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg.
Africa’s influence on the global music industry has never been more powerful as it is today. From the streets of Lagos to the dance-floors of Johannesburg, African artists are not only contributing to worldwide sounds—they are defining them.
In an effort to spotlight the incredible efforts and feats of our rhythms, five playlists have been specially curated by a selection of artists, music executives, tastemakers and media personalities who embody the sounds of their cities, featuring a selection of new and catalogue tracks that celebrate the unique and diverse spirit of African music.
Alongside the five playlists, Apple Music has also created a series of exclusive DJ mixes, collaborating with AD DJ from Accra, DJ Vasley from Dar es Salaam, Spaceship Billy from Lagos, DJ Grauchi from Nairobi and DJ PH from Johannesburg.
The pulsating core of Afrobeats, and one of Africa’s most dynamic cultural centres, Lagos has produced some of the continent’s most influential sounds, and it shows no signs of slowing down either.
“This playlist is a reflection of sound, feeling and movement. Each song carries a piece of my journey, my influences and my love for music that speaks to my soul.” – Asa.
“Lagos is a spirited city. Very rich in sonic history. There’s hustle, love, revolution and hope in the air. This list is an attempt to capture all that. Stars have been born here more than in any other African city and there is a timelessness to the music that comes out of this city” – Don Jazzy.
“I chose these songs because to me they all represent Lagos in some way with the lyrics. Lagos is the big city where dreams are made and it’s filled with so many vibes and emotions.” – Bizzle Osikoya
Other selected contributors include Motolani Alake, Bankulli, Asa Asika, Tega Oghenejobo, Manny Essian and Oluwaseun ‘Banko’ Lloyd
The Sounds Of Lagos DJ Mix
“This mix gives me a mix of Tracks that remind me of Lagos and also have introduced Lagos to the World – there a mixture of new and old Songs that everyone who thinks of Lagos will be able to connect to love and enjoy!” – Spaceship Billy.
Further south, Johannesburg’s influence is undeniable. The birthplace of kwaito and a historic centre for musical revolution, Johannesburg continues to set the pace for fresh African sounds.
“These are just a few of our South African songs that I believe represent the city’s creativity, its pain, joy, and its resilience through different generations.” – Kwesta.
“Johannesburg lives in me—and these songs remind me why. When Tyla proudly mentioned ‘Joburg’ to the world in Jump, it wasn’t just her moment, it was ours. I felt seen, like our city’s magic was finally being recognised globally. Run Jozi by K.O and AKA sounds exactly like the city’s heartbeat—fast, gritty, unapologetic. It’s how I’ve felt walking through town knowing you have to have fire in your chest to make it here.” – Nandi Madida.
“Joburg is a hub of urban culture, and living in a post-apartheid country, being able to partake in the nightlife of Johannesburg is as groundbreaking as today’s amapiano artists who are achieving global recognition.” – Silkour (aka Siya Metane).
“I’ve always been a true Jozi native. Growing up, I was surrounded by music — from radio stations like Metro FM, Ukhozi FM and YFM to TV shows like Jam Alley and Mzansi for Sho. I was influenced by a wide range of genres, from Ringo Madlingozi’s soul to Lucky Dube’s reggae, but at the core of my youth was kwaito — the soundtrack of the streets.” – Samthing Soweto.
Other contributors include Tbo Touch, Refiloe Ramogase, LootLove, Ricardo Da Costa, Robin Kohl, Catherine Grenfell and Nick Hamman.
The Sounds Of Johannesburg
“The artists, songs and genres are showcased in my mix, highlight the diversity in the quality South Africa has to offer. I’m excited to showcase the rich sounds Johannesburg has had to offer Africa and the rest of the world. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.” – DJ PH.
A hub of African innovation, Accra’s sonic heritage runs deep, from Highlife to Hiplife and even Afrofusion, reflected by the likes of Sarkodie, Ma.nifest and global Afro-Dancehall sensation, Stonebwoy.
“All of the talents featured on this playlist are fresh, and their influence pans across indigenous Ghanaian music to western music of black origin.” – Stonebwoy.
“These songs pay ode to the personality of the Accra I know; a densely populated ethnically diverse and worldly African urban space still rooted in the culture and sounds of its original people, the Ga.” – Ma.nifest.
“The best medium to go back in time and capture amazing moments is music” – Sarkodie
Alongside these celebrated voices, other curators include Albert ‘Trebla’ Donkor, Maxwell Adjavon, Kofi ‘Funkz’ Kyei, John Hill and Glen Sho.
The Sounds Of Accra DJ Mix
”The Mood or feeling that best describes this mix is simple ACCRAAAAA which mostly depicts WE OUTSIDEEEEEEEEEEEE mainly signifying happiness, freedom, friendships and good vibration.” – AD DJ.
A city where genres collide and innovation thrives, Nairobi’s music scene is spearheaded by voices such as Xenia Manasseh, Nikita Kering and Njerae, who each contributed to The Sounds of Nairobi playlist.
“These tracks represent the heartbeat of Nairobi, each evoking a different mood but all deeply rooted in the essence of the city. They remind me of home. Whether it’s the vibrant energy or the soulful depth, they capture the diverse emotions of Nairobi and its unique sound that I carry with me every day.” – Nikita Kering.
“There’s a rebellious & conversely free nature of the people in Nairobi that is revealed through our art and specifically our music. Our music is spiritual, revolutionary, fun, experimental and doesn’t conform to any set of rules. I just wanted to select music that showed that we can and have always been able to do anything.” – Xenia Manasseh.
“These songs represent Nairobi. The pride we feel for our city, the love and heartbreak spread across by its citizens, the liveliness of the inhabitants both day and night as well as simply some conscious about environs and activities of the city.” – Njerae.
Other curators include Nviri the Storyteller, Tanasha Donna, Anyiko Owoko, Christine ‘Seven’ Mosha, SURAJ, EUGGY, Chrispine Obala and Camille Storm.
The Sounds Of Nairobi DJ Mix
“This mix features the best artists that Nairobi has to offer right now, and a touch of the classic acts from back then and still their music being timeless and still banging in Nairobi.” – DJ Grauchi.
A vibrant figure in many of Africa’s ever-growing musical landscapes, Dar es Salaam has always been a leading cultural trendsetter, and to celebrate its legacy, Tanzanian recording artists Marioo and Harmonize each offer their own spin on the music of their city.
“These songs collectively embody the spirit of Dar es Salaam, from its vibrant culture and romance to the grind and resilience of its people. Each track tells a story that listeners, both in Tanzania and beyond, can connect with when they think of the city.” – Marioo.
“This selection of songs represents the true sound of the city. A reflection of Dar Es Salaam’s vibrant energy, cultural richness and evolving musical identity. Each track tells a story of ambition, resilience, celebration and everyday life in the city” – Harmonize.
The Sounds Of Dar es Salaam: DJ Mix
”This mix captures the rhythm of Dar — starting with smooth, soulful grooves that reflect its laid-back coastal vibe, and building into vibrant, high-energy sounds inspired by the city’s nightlife and street party culture. It’s a sonic journey through Dar es Salaam’s soul — blending nostalgia with the excitement of what’s next.” – DJ Vasley.
Discover The Sounds Of Africa below.
The Sounds Of Lagos: https://apple.co/SoundsOfLagos
The Sounds Of Johannesburg: https://apple.co/SoundsOfJohannesburg
The Sounds Of Nairobi: https://apple.co/SoundsOfNairobi
The Sounds Of Accra: https://apple.co/SoundsOfAccra
The Sounds Of Dar es Salaam: https://apple.co/SoundsOfDarEsSalaam
