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Global music streaming platform Spotify has announced Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake as the featured curator and face of its special African Heat New Year’s Eve playlist, marking the countdown into 2026. The initiative places the hitmaker at the centre of a carefully curated musical experience designed to usher listeners into the new year with the energy and vibrancy of contemporary African sounds.
The announcement was made in Lagos on Wednesday through a statement issued by Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu. She explained that the special edition of African Heat will combine Asake’s chart-topping records with carefully selected songs that reflect the richness, diversity and evolving pulse of African music.
According to Okumu, the playlist has been curated to capture both celebration and cultural identity, offering fans an energetic soundtrack as they cross into a new year.
“African Heat is about capturing the energy and confidence of African music as it exists today,” she said.
“Having Asake as the cover reflects the kind of artists shaping how African sounds move through the world, rooted at home but resonating everywhere.”
She noted that the New Year edition highlights how African music continues to command global attention, driven by artists who combine local authenticity with international appeal. By placing Asake at the forefront, Spotify aims to spotlight one of the most influential voices pushing Afrobeats into new territories.
Okumu further explained that African Heat has grown far beyond being just another playlist on the platform. With more than one million followers worldwide, it has evolved into a global discovery hub that showcases African creativity, amplifies emerging and established talents, and connects listeners across continents to defining musical moments from the region.
She said the playlist now serves as a cultural barometer, reflecting shifts in sound, style and influence across the continent, while also providing artists with wider exposure to global audiences.
“With Asake, one of the most-streamed artists on Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa fronting the playlist, the takeover celebrates the expanding global footprint of African music on the world stage,” Okumu added.
The Spotify executive also pointed out that Asake’s inclusion is a recognition of his consistency and impact over recent years. His music has enjoyed massive streaming numbers, chart success and strong audience reception across Africa, Europe and North America, alongside sold-out shows and major international tours.
“By tapping into the afrobeats star, African Heat further reinforces its role in pushing the genre from a regional movement into a leading global cultural force,” she said.
Asake’s rise has been defined by a distinctive sound that blends Afrobeats, Fuji-inspired rhythms and street-rooted storytelling. Since his breakthrough, he has remained one of the most influential Nigerian artists of his generation, regularly dominating charts and streaming platforms while shaping contemporary pop culture across Africa.
Spotify’s decision to place him at the centre of its New Year playlist aligns with its broader strategy of spotlighting African musicians who are redefining global music conversations. The African Heat playlist, in particular, has become one of the platform’s most prominent African-led editorial projects, often used to introduce listeners worldwide to trending sounds and breakthrough artists from the continent.
The New Year’s Eve edition curated by Asake is expected to deliver a vibrant mix of Afrobeats, amapiano-infused tracks and other African genres that reflect celebration, confidence and forward momentum. Listeners can expect a playlist that not only highlights Asake’s own musical identity but also showcases fellow African acts contributing to the evolving soundscape.
Spotify’s move also underscores the growing international appetite for African music, as global audiences increasingly turn to the continent for fresh sounds and cultural inspiration. With African artists consistently breaking streaming records and headlining major festivals, platforms like Spotify continue to invest in initiatives that amplify these voices on a global scale.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the African Heat New Year edition stands as both a celebration of African creativity and a statement of where the continent’s music is headed. With Asake leading the charge, the playlist aims to set the tone for a new year driven by innovation, confidence and the unmistakable energy of African sound.
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