AFROBEATS : CULTURE IN MOTION

FEATURING: Fire-side chats, Greasy Tunes Café, Spotify x Severe Nature fashion showcase, and live performances by Kold AF, WURLD, FOLA, and Adekunle Gold.

Let’s recap the trip we took to Lagos, Nigeria for Spotify’s Afrobeats: Culture in Motion celebration, a cultural journey exploring the roots and evolution of one of the world’s most influential genres.

Afrobeats has grown into a global sound, shaping playlists across continents through artists like Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems. But before streaming, before charts and awards, it was Lagos that set the rhythm. Over the week, we joined Spotify and a group of music industry leaders from across Africa for an odyssey into the sound, stories, and soul of Nigeria’s thriving creative scene.

The Roots
Our Lagos adventure began with a visit to Greasy Tunes (Lagos edition), a café concept blending food and music. Running from 1–19 October 2025, it follows the 2023 Johannesburg edition. Visitors order Nigerian dishes and instantly receive a Spotify playlist or podcast curated in real time based on their meal choices.

We then visited Fela’s House (Kalakuta Museum), a powerful symbol of legacy, music, and resistance. A fireside chat with Mádé Kuti, grandson of Fela Kuti, brought the story full circle. Later, we explored the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, learning about Yoruba fashion, language, and tradition. The night closed at Greasy Tunes (Fired & Ice, Lekki) with live sets from South Africa’s Thakzin, good food, and endless vibes.

The New Wave
The day began at Greasy Tunes Café with a fireside chat featuring Melly (Brazil), Braye (Naija), and Andre Vibez, discussing Afrobeats’ global growth and the next creative wave.
That evening, Spotify x Severe Nature took center stage, a music and fashion collaboration translating Afrobeats’ energy into design. Four Nigerian brands, Móye Africa, I.N Official, KADIJU, and Pièce Et Patch, showcased capsule collections inspired by rhythm, rebellion, and unity. Performances by Kold AF and WURLD wrapped the night in sound and style.

The Legacy
We began the morning with a traditional Eyo performance, a rare cultural ceremony usually reserved for royal occasions. A fireside chat followed, featuring Spinall and Vector, who discussed heritage, performance, and the symbolism of Eyo in modern music.

Later, we visited Mavin Records, founded by Don Jazzy, and explored the creative home of stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Tiwa Savage, and Reekado Banks. We caught up with Magixx, Bayanni, and Rexx to talk about their journeys, Afrobeats’ growth, and what is next. The night ended with a thrilling set by FOLA, Spotify’s RADAR Artist, who surprised fans with an appearance by BNXN, and a heartfelt moment bringing his mother on stage.

The Celebration
The week concluded with a live performance by Adekunle Gold, showcasing his latest album Fuji in a night dedicated to the music itself. It was a fitting finale to a journey that celebrated Nigeria’s rich creativity from sound and fashion to culture and community.

This was a well-spent week in Lagos, filled with discovery, learning, and cultural pride, as Spotify spotlighted how Nigeria continues to shape global sound and creativity through Afrobeats.