Spotify’s RADAR Africa Program Celebrates Cultural Diversity in Music

Spotify’s RADAR program continues to shine a spotlight on emerging talent from Africa, showcasing the continent’s diverse music scene and contributing to its global recognition. Shallipopi from Eswatini, Joshua Baraka from Uganda, and Manana from South Africa are the latest additions to this prestigious program.

Shallipopi, known as “Presido De La Pluto,” has gained popularity for his viral freestyles and unique blend of street culture in his music. With tracks like “Obapluto” and “Cast,” Shallipopi proudly represents his cultural roots while appealing to a global audience, especially among Gen Z and millennials.

Joshua Baraka made waves with his soulful debut “Tomorrow,” and his hit “NANA” has garnered massive streaming numbers, particularly in Nigeria. His cross-cultural appeal is evident as listeners from Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom also tune in to his music.

Manana, a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, brings his lush melodies and jazzy R&B production to the RADAR program. His collaborations with artists like Burna Boy and Usher have solidified his global appeal, with listeners from South Africa, the United States, and Nigeria enjoying his music.

These artists represent the vibrant and diverse music landscape of Africa, and Spotify’s RADAR program continues to support their growth and exposure on the global stage.

We had a sit down with Shallipopi, Manana and Joshua Baraka to delve deeper into their music and creative journey.

SHALLIPOPI

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

My music is experimental music or what I call Afro-talk. It’s just my own type of sound.

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

It feels great. It’s an opportunity for more people to meet me at the front. This is just the beginning.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

Nothing surprises me about the music game – I’m enjoying it. The big lesson is not to give up. Just do what you’re doing and listen to the people close to you.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

I’m excited about everything because this is my dream. Doing music back to back, I’ve been doing music since I was a child so everything about it is exciting.

MANANA

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

I would say I make alternative RnB, with a singer-songwriter twist. My influences are a combination of training from my upbringing, harmonies from choir school, chord progressions from jazz studies and then the rest is from hearing RnB and neo-soul music from my brother’s CD collection

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

Feels good. It’s a privilege, I’m very grateful. It is reassuring and encouraging to see that the work we’re putting in is appreciated.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

I don’t think I’ve had any surprises. But I think the struggle I had to deal with is comparison. I think social media has given us access to parts of the world that previously weren’t easily accessible, but has also exposed us to this feeling of inadequacy that maybe isn’t warranted. I think focusing on what I’m doing and not trying to make music that would be viral or “challenge friendly” has been my biggest lesson.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

Growth. Every year I start with that being my goal. I’m not sure what that looks like exactly but I know consistent growth has no limit. So that’s the hope for the future.

JOSHUA BARAKA

How would you describe your musical style and what are some of the influences that have shaped your sound?

I’d describe my musical style as an interpretation of what I feel at the time I’m making that particular piece of music. Basically, my music is who I am so I’d describe my music as another version of me. I’ve been influenced by a lot of gospel musicians because I grew up in a staunch Christian family. As I grew up and got access to more genres of music, I became obsessed with Bob Marley, Chronixx, jazz music in general and every RnB artist I could find.

I’ve also been influenced by Ugandan artists like Radio from the duo Radio and Weasel, Maurice Kirya and Elly Wamala.

How does it feel to be one of this year’s Spotify RADAR artists?

It feels really good to be chosen to be a part of this year’s RADAR artists. I feel like a part of something bigger than myself. It’s a step in the right direction and vision which is to shine light on Uganda and East Africa in general.

Artists often face unique challenges. What has surprised you most about the music industry so far? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your musical journey?

What surprised me the most about the music industry is how different it is from whatever you see on Tv and the internet.It’s not as smooth and easy as it’s made to appear. My biggest lesson so far is that you need to show up regardless of how you feel and do what you need to do.That is the price for growth.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your musical journey?

I’m excited for the day Uganda is recognized on the music scene globally because we have a lot of talents, tujja tujja. For myself, I’m excited to share all the new music I have been working on and some serious work coming up. I’m excited for where all this journey is headed