In the lead up to its Africa Day concert, in partnership with MTV Base Africa, YouTube Music began celebrating the continent’s popular culture with a crazy performance by Nigerian popular artiste Fireboy at the weekend. The dynamic live show saw him deliver a crazy output of songs from his recent successful album ‘APOLLO’ – alongside some of their biggest hits.
On 13th May, Kenyan music band, Sauti Sol render a soothing performance of their songs “Midnight Train“, “Melanin“, “Short N Sweet“, “My Everything“, “Nenda Lote” and “Suzanna” during their virtual concert for YouTube’s Africa Month Celebration. South African superstar, Sho Madjozi was billed to perform songs from her recent successful EP “What A Life”.
Watch Sauti Sol’s performance below;
“For more than a decade now, YouTube has helped artists develop and export the African sound to music lovers, fans and listeners worldwide while also enabling collaborations across the continent and around the world,” says Alex Okosi, Manager Director, EMEA Emerging Markets.
“As a result, it’s only natural that the platform, where cultural movements grow and build, plays a central role in the celebration of this important month for the continent as a whole. The past ten years have shown, without a doubt, that Africa loves YouTube and YouTube has found a true home in Africa,” continues Okosi.
Watch Sho Madjozi’s set below;
In addition to performances, YouTube Music has partnered with Afro Nation, Slikour Onlife and Leading Ladies Africa to host a series of industry panel sessions focused on African Music. The virtual sessions will focus on topics; The Global Impact of Afrobeats, The Acceleration of Amapiano and Women x Music.
YouTube Music’s celebrations of Africa Month will culminate in the Africa Day Concert hosted, for the second year in a row, by world-renowned actor and activist Idris Elba. The concert, which will take place on Tuesday 25 May 2021 at 7PM CAT on the MTV Base YouTube channel, will feature trailblazing African stars performing on multiple stages from across the continent.
“We are excited to work with Idris Elba and MTV Base to celebrate Africa Day this year through another powerful concert event. With African music continuing to connect and inspire people around the world, the timing is perfect to shine the spotlight on the next wave of African artists that will make a global impact on music and culture,” Okosi concludes .
