Through first-of-its-kind partnership with FC Barcelona, Spotify has brought the worlds of music and sport together for fans around the globe to enjoy. Whether it’s special matchday shirts featuring the logos of ROSALÍA, The Rolling Stones, and Drake, its artist takeovers at Spotify Camp Nou with Sans Soucis and Blas Cantó, the streaming platform has given artists a global stage to showcase their talents like never before.
In particular, Spotify has featured a number of African artists throughout the partnership. “We’ve played their songs through stadium speakers, showcased their names pitch-side on LED screens during matches, and added their tracks to playlists on the official FC Barcelona page on Spotify so that fans worldwide can enjoy the exposure this partnership has offered them,” Spotify said.
With 23 million FC Barcelona fans in the Middle East and Africa, this also marked a great opportunity to bring their local talent to a grand, global stage. And now, artists like ODUMODUBLVCK, Pabi Cooper, Teni, and Ch’cco are front and centre the latest video campaign..
Below are the 20 dynamic artists who have commanded the spotlight alongside FC Barcelona:
Afroto – Egypt
Since emerging on the scene in 2016, rapper Afroto has won over fans with hit singles like “Brazil” and “7ALA.”
Amir Eid – Egypt
A singer, composer, guitarist, and actor, Amir Eid is best known as the lead singer of Cairokee, one of Egypt’s top rock bands.
A-Reece – South Africa
Rapper A-Reece’s career took off with the release of his best-known single, “Mgani”; and following the release of his debut album, heaveN caN waiT: thE narroW dooR (vol.1), in 2021, his star has continued to rise.
BNXN – Nigeria
Following the release of “Spiritual,” his 2019 collaboration with Zlatan, Afro-fusion artist Bnxn (fka Buju) has gained attention for his infectious hooks, which have featured on other popular Afropop songs over the years.
Ch’cco – South Africa
After the popular choreography-infused song “Nkao Tempela” became a viral hit in 2019, Ch’cco immediately became a name to remember. Since then, he followed up with hit single “Pele Pele” and was featured on Pabi Cooper’s 2022 hit “Banyana Ke Bafana.”
CKay – Nigeria
With one of the most popular Afrobeats songs of all time, “love nwantiti (ah ah ah),” to his name, CKay is one of the Nigerian artists responsible for turning Afrobeats into a global phenomenon.
Davido – Nigeria
One of the most popular afrobeats artists in the world, Davido is referred to as “OBO” by his fans. In 2019, his smash hit “Fall” made history when it became one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs, and he reached new heights in 2023 with “UNAVAILABLE,” his collaboration with Musa Keys.
Essam Sasa – Egypt
One of the fastest-rising artists to come out of the region recently, Essam Sasa continues to peak on Spotify’s Egypt charts with hits like “Yalla Nedy Lely Baana Bosa.” The pop star is known for his contemporary take on traditional genres, like Shaabi music.
Fireboy DML – Nigeria
After his hit single “Scatter” was included on EA’s FIFA 21 Soundtrack, Fireboy DML quickly made a name for himself around the world. In 2022, the singer released his third studio album, Playboy, to great fanfare.
Joeboy – Nigeria
Popular among Gen Zs and millennials due to his timeless love songs, Joeboy caught everyone’s attention with his 2019 hit “Baby” and has since been able to establish himself as one of the finest voices in Afrobeats and R&B.
Lloyiso – South Africa
When Lloyiso released “Nontsikelelo” in 2018, he reminded the music industry why he placed in the top five of the popular singing competition Idols SA as a 16-year-old back in 2015. Today, the 24-year-old is a mainstay on local and international stages, opening for renowned artists such as Tamia.
Major League Djz – South Africa
Credited with amplifying the global presence of amapiano, Major League Djz are a cornerstone of South Africa’s music scene. Their popular releases, “Ndikuze” and “Shoota Moghel,” continue to dominate the dance floors from Mamelodi to Soweto.
ODUMODUBLVCK – Nigeria
Starting his music journey in Abuja, rapper ODUMODUBLVCK rose to fame with his breakthrough song “Picanto.” Earlier this year, he took over the airwaves with his hit “Declan Rice,” catching the attention of the professional footballer following its release.
Olamide – Nigeria
The success of many street pop and Afrobeats artists can be linked to Olamide, whose record label YBNL is home to like-minded artists Fireboy DML and Asake. His debut single, “Eni Duro,” propelled Olamide to stardom in 2010 and he has since become one of the most revered figures in the Nigerian music scene, most notably releasing the hit single “Infinity” with Omah Lay in 2020.
Pabi Cooper – South Africa
Also known as “Pretoria’s finest”, Pabi Cooper traded her life as an influencer and content creator for one as an artist with the release of her 2021 single “Isiphithiphithi.” One of the most recognizable amapiano artists in South Africa, she has gone on to release notable singles like “Waga Bietjie” and “Banyana Ke Bafana.”
SPINALL – Nigeria
An internationally recognized Nigerian DJ and producer, SPINALL is known for his signature hats. His collaborations with Wizkid and Mr Eazi have contributed to his growing popularity around the world.
Teni – Nigeria
Fondly referred to as Teni Makanaki by her fans, this exciting talent introduced herself to the world with her hit 2018 single “Fargin.” Since then, she has successfully challenged gender stereotypes and worked to redefine the modern image of a celebrity, allowing fans to focus on her amazing music, which includes singles like “Case” and the Davido collaboration “FOR YOU.”
Tyla – South Africa
Known as the princess of amapiano, Tyla first gained recognition in 2019 when she dropped her single “Getting Late.” The singer has enjoyed a red-hot 2023, making global waves with her hit single “Water,” which has generated over 120 million streams on Spotify to date, and starring in a RADAR Africa mini-documentary that tracks her ascent to the global spotlight.
Wizkid – Nigeria
Referred to by some as the biggest Afrobeats artist in the world, Wizkid is one of the most influential African artists of all time. He first caught the ears of fans worldwide with his 2014 single “Ojuelegba,” which earned a remix from Drake a year later. His Grammy-nominated collaboration with Tems, “Essence,” was dubbed the best song of the summer by Rolling Stone in 2020. Last year, the star released More Love, Less Ego, his fifth studio album.
Zlatan – Nigeria
Considered the pioneer of the zanku dance style popularized by his single of the same name, Zlatan Ibile shook the streets of Nigeria and has become one of the most buzzed-about artists in the country, also appearing on Chinko Ekun’s 2018 hit “Able God.”
