Spotify's RADAR program, designed to elevate rising talent on a global scale, has this year turned its focus on Africa's burgeoning music scene.

RADAR Africa, which has previously celebrated artists such as Ayra Starr, Victony, BNXN, and Bloody Civilian, now welcomes new luminaries: Nigeria's Shallipopi, Uganda's Joshua Baraka, and Eswatini's Manana.

"This cohort represents some of the continent’s most promising artists," says Phiona Okumu, Spotify's Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa.

"As African artists continue to rise globally, Spotify is excited to continue playing its part in the rise and discovery of local artists, showcasing their diverse talents to the world."

Shallipopi, endearingly known as "Presido De La Pluto," hails from Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria. His viral freestyles have not only captivated audiences but have also infused street culture with a fresh perspective.

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Tracks like "Obapluto" and "Ex Convict" highlight his roots, while his album "Shakespopi" has garnered over 13 million streams, with the song "Cast" topping his most-streamed list.

Over the past year, Shallipopi has seen 1.9 million additions to playlists, with a listener base predominantly comprising Gen Z and millennials.

His global audience spans Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and South Africa.

Joshua Baraka from Uganda made his debut with the soulful "Tomorrow" in 2020, quickly amassing a dedicated following. His hit "NANA" has seen viral success, particularly in Nigeria, his top streaming country.

The remix of "NANA," featuring Joeboy, King Promise, and Bien, is among his top three tracks, alongside "Dalilah."

Baraka’s music resonates deeply across Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Uganda.

His primary audience includes Gen Z and millennials, with over 195k playlist adds in the last 12 months, demonstrating his widespread appeal.

Eswatini's Manana is a versatile singer, producer, and Grammy-winning songwriter known for his lush melodies and R&B stylings.

His collaborations with artists such as Burna Boy, Jon Vinyl, Sauti Sol, and Usher have cemented his reputation.

Manana’s music is most streamed in South Africa, the United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.

He has achieved over 144k playlist additions in the past year, appealing mainly to listeners aged 18-27.

The inclusion of these artists in Spotify's RADAR Africa program underscores the platform’s dedication to highlighting the diverse and vibrant music scene of Africa, propelling these promising artists towards global recognition.

In an exclusive sit-down with emerging artists Shallipopi, Manana, and Joshua Baraka, Sportify explored their musical styles, influences, and experiences as they bask in the spotlight of Spotify's RADAR program.

The following is how the interviews went: 

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

Discover Their Music

Listeners can explore Shallipopi’s tracks ASAP and Cast, Manana’s Hold Me Tight and Sunday Morning, and Joshua Baraka’s Dalilah and Nana Remix on RADAR Africa. These artists' journeys promise a dynamic future for African music on the global stage.