Our Creative Community Newsletter — Nigerians Are Spotify’s Most Streamed Artists
Hi there, Nuel here. It's another week and I am excited to write to you. Thank you so much for your interest in our creative community newsletter. These writings would just be musings in your drafts without you reading them, and so we are grateful.?
Thank you for responding to the last edition and in case you missed it, get it here . I would love to hear from you and receive your feedback and you can do so by sending your responses to [email protected] .?
Also, I would love you to be a part of our LinkedIn community , and stay up-to-date on events, insights, news updates, and opportunities available for you. Gracias!
NOTE: We also have planned some live events coming up on LinkedIn, and we would love to have you share your experience with us, speak about key happenings in the creative space, etc. Do reach out to us and let's make it a date.?
Thank you for being a community? who have stuck close, and if we haven’t crossed paths yet, welcome to the beginning of an epic creative journey. I mean, in the fast-paced world of community, insights, and opportunities, every new connection is the start of something amazing, to look forward to and unfold. So, buckle up. Get your coffee (decaf or latte) and let’s enjoy the ride together.?
Welcome to another exciting edition of our newsletter! As we dive headfirst into the vibrant world of creativity, we are thrilled to curate some electrifying highlights, industry insights, and golden opportunities just for you. In today’s newsletter, we will be:?
But wait, there's more! We will also be dishing out some juicy data on trending stories, unveiling our creative word of the week, and highlighting can't-miss opportunities and events tailor-made for you. So sit tight and get ready for an exhilarating ride!
Artist Spotlight - Mr. Macaroni:
If you’ve heard the term, “Daddy Wa”, and are familiar with the catchphrases of “Ooin” and “You are doing well”, you? know who Adebowale "Debo" Adedayo popularly known as Mr. Macaroni is.?
He is a Nigerian actor, content creator, and citizen activist. As a trained actor, his popularity grew from his comic skits on social media, where he plays the role of a political figure cum sugar daddy called "Daddy Wa" or a sadistic lecturer called "Professor Hard Life".?
Using his satirical works and online presence, Debo is also known for his social justice advocacy. His skits satirize social issues to promote human rights and critique everyday social interactions. During the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, Debo used his platform and presence at various protest venues to advocate against police brutality - even after becoming a victim as a result.
Also, he was the leading voiceover actor for the Emerging Voices: A Political Journey in Nigeria documentary that highlighted five young Nigerians who participated in the 2023 elections showcasing their audacity of youth, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria.?
Mr. Macaroni has found an easy way to be didactic with his content and also advocate for a better and brighter Nigeria, being empathetic with sublime messages that indicate creatives will change Africa.?
Spotify’s High Streaming Has Nigerians!
Spotify has announced that Nigerian music sensations Ayra Starr and Tems are the most streamed Nigerian artists globally for the first half of 2024. This revelation comes as part of Spotify’s 2024 Nigeria Music Global Impact List, highlighting tracks with the highest international listenership between January and June. Leading the list are Ayra Starr’s “Santa ” and Tems’ “Love Me Jeje ,” both captivating global audiences with their unique sounds.
Phiona Okumu , Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, noted the remarkable global impact of Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats. The list underscores the genre's ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, with many tracks featuring international collaborations. Noteworthy mentions include Ayra Starr’s duet with Giveon on “Last Heartbreak Song ” and Tems’ collaboration with J. Cole on “Free Fall ,” reflecting the genre's cross-cultural appeal.
A significant highlight of the list is the prominence of female artists, with Ayra Starr and Tems at the forefront. Their achievements mark a growing recognition of women in the Nigerian music industry, emphasizing the global demand for their voices and stories. This year’s list also diversifies its scope by featuring gospel artists, showcasing the wide range of genres contributing to Nigeria’s global music footprint.
The 2024 Nigeria Music Global Impact List signifies a shift in how Nigerian music is perceived and celebrated worldwide. By moving beyond traditional platforms like Boomplay and YouTube Music, Spotify is amplifying the reach and influence of Nigerian artists on the global stage. With talents like Ayra Starr and Tems leading the way, Nigerian music continues to set new standards in the international music scene.
Lagos State Government is Tapping into the Creative Industry!
领英推荐
The Lagos State government is set to leverage its vibrant creative industry to boost the economy, estimated at $137 to $145 billion. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the commissioner for tourism, arts, and culture, announced this at a town hall meeting on Afropolis Lagos 2024. Scheduled for October 26 to November 3, the festival aims to gather creative talents to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and collaborate. Significant investments in renovating cultural sites and establishing new arts venues underscore the state’s commitment to providing platforms for artists to thrive.
Brands stand to gain immensely by aligning with Lagos's creative vision. Sponsoring events like Afropolis or partnering with local artists for unique marketing campaigns can enhance brand visibility and foster goodwill. Additionally, investing in creative infrastructure, such as studios or art exhibitions, can strengthen the local cultural scene while positioning brands as key supporters of the arts. These collaborations not only bring fresh, innovative ideas to the forefront but also resonate deeply with the target audience.
Engaging with Lagos’s creative economy offers substantial benefits, including economic growth, job creation, and a stronger global cultural presence. The creative industry is a significant revenue generator and employment provider, helping to diversify the economic base and reduce unemployment. High-profile events like Afropolis attract international tourists and cultural enthusiasts, boosting Lagos’s reputation as a global cultural hub and providing young talents with well-deserved visibility.
Founder and artistic director of Afropolis, Qudus Onikeku , emphasized the festival's potential to draw both local and international tourists. Featuring performances by artists such as Made Kuti, grandson of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Afropolis is more than a cultural event; it’s a celebration of African creativity and innovation. As Lagos continues to position itself at the forefront of the creative industry, the collaboration between the government, brands, and local artists promises a dynamic and prosperous future for the city’s economy.
Creatives Word of the Day:
Our creative word for this week is — BOLD /b??ld/ (Verb)
Bold refers to taking risks and being confident, courageous, and unafraid to stand out in any form of art, and creative expression.
For creatives, being bold means pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and challenging the status quo. This quality is essential as it drives innovation, helping creatives to differentiate their work, inspire others, and challenge traditional norms. Bold creatives can express their true selves, leading to more impactful and memorable work. By embracing boldness, they pave the way for new trends and movements in their fields.
Opportunities/Events:
Discover exciting opportunities and upcoming events tailored to fuel your creative journey:?
1. Ayeta Hackathon
Paradigm Initiative is currently receiving applications for a Website Redesign Hackathon. The organization is looking for talented designers and developers who can reimagine the Ayeta website interface, user experience, and overall aesthetic to boost engagement and functionality. The winner will take home a $1,000 prize while the second and third runners-up will get $500 and $300 respectively. Application details can be obtained here . Deadline is July 18th, 2024.
2. Youth to The Front Funds
We are thrilled to announce a new round of applications for “The Creatives” Frontliners, powered by the Youth To The Front Fund program! The program offers up to $20,000 in grants and resources for under-30 BIPOC and BIPOC-Ally creatives and collectives in sectors such as Visual Arts, Performance Arts, Music, Writing & Literary Arts, Creative Changemaking, and Holistic Healing. This initiative supports those fighting systemic racism, inequality, and injustice worldwide by funding exhibitions, bold movements, and program initiatives. Don’t miss out—apply before August 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST! Interested candidates can apply here .
3. Undersight French Version Launch
This Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, we shall be screening the French version of our short film, Undersight at 3 pm WAT. Register here to be part of this launch.
If you are a company or brand with opportunities for Creatives, feel free to share these with us here so we can highlight them in our next segment.
Closing Remarks:
It is hard to say goodbye but as I wrap things up here, I encourage you to embrace your creativity, push boundaries, stay bold, and look towards more collaboration. We believe that Creatives will Change Africa and together, we can create a vibrant community that celebrates and nurtures creativity in all its forms.
Stay inspired, stay connected, and keep creating!
Nuel from TASCK here! Have a great week!
PS: Remember to keep in touch always! I would love to hear from you!?