Spotify’s Greasy Tunes Café Serves Up the Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of Lagos
For three weeks in Lagos, Spotify’s Greasy Tunes Café pop-up brought the city’s mealtime soundtrack to life with local food, vibrant conversations, and unforgettable performances.
The event was inspired by Spotify data showing that a high-energy Afrobeats pulse is the constant backdrop to Nigerian Gen Zs’ daily meals. From breakfast to dinner, mainstays like Wizkid, Asake, and Burna Boy, podcasts such as I Said What I Said, and playlists like Hot Hits Naija and Gbedu all set the table for the city’s next generation.
“Nigerian Gen Zs are truly a testament to how music and culture are deeply connected,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “A familiar high-energy mix of Afrobeats acts as the constant, unifying soundtrack to their daily lives.”
The three-week event featured a packed schedule of music, panels, and culinary fusion. Here’s a look at the highlights.
Week 1: Lineage fuels the future
The opening week kicked off with an electric launch party where South Africa’s Thakzin set a global Amapiano vibe. The energy then shifted to thoughtful conversations about how African music evolves while honoring its roots. In a panel moderated by Benewah Boateng, producers Andre Vibez and Braye, alongside Brazilian artist Melly, explored the role of percussion and heritage in shaping identity.
A ceremonial Eyo masquerade connected contemporary Lagos to ancestral rhythms, leading into a discussion on cultural symbolism with SPINALL and Vector. The week closed with a performance from RADAR Africa artist FOLA, followed by Adekunle Gold, who surprised fans by bringing Yinka Ayefele onstage for “Many People.”
Week 2: Hip-hop heat, ancestral groove
The second week kept the energy high with performances from headliners ODUMODUBLVCK, The Cavemen, and Sarz. Greasy Tunes also spotlighted a new generation of female artists, with standout sets from EQUAL Africa ambassadors MOLIY and Joyce Olong, as well as Lady Donli and GoodGirl LA.
A live taping of the Loose Talk podcast traced hip-hop’s local lineage, followed by a screening of Ki’mon! The Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution 1970–1980. The week wrapped with The Cavemen’s highlife revival and a masterclass DJ set from Sarz.
Week 3: A grand closing with bells on
The final week concluded with the “Dirty, Sexy Rave” hosted by the Vogue Boys. The revolutionary spirit of Afrobeats took center stage, with a screening of The Afrobeat Rebellion revisiting the legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This was followed by a conversation with Afropolitan podcast hosts and activist-musician Ade Bantu on the genre’s future. Seun Kuti’s performance connected the crowd to Afrobeats’ origins, and a Fresh Finds showcase featuring artists like Wizard Chan, Famous Pluto, and Kunmie highlighted what’s next for the sound.
To listen like you’re in Lagos, check out the playlists powering daily life for young Nigerians: Hot Hits Naija, New Music Friday Naija, Gbedu, and Street Energy.
