Tag: Live Event

Spotify’s Mother of Music Campaign Celebrates the City’s Unmistakable Sound and Culture

August 1, 2025

Over the past six weeks, Spotify’s been in the vibrant city of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for our annual Mother of Music (MOM) event. We’ve celebrated the rich creative culture surrounding the Durban-born genre Gqom, along with Amapiano and Kwaito music—uniquely South African genres that have significantly shaped the trajectory of African music at large and captured the attention of fans worldwide.

From Umqhumos (a South African taxi Gqom-blasting experience complete with local dancers) to Durban nightlife photography exhibitions at the MOM Spirit Home at Hue Cafe in Berea, we’ve hosted a number of events that attracted music fans across Durban. The festivities put some of Durban’s foundational music figures in the spotlight, like dancer, Gqom MC, radio host, and media personality TDK Macassette; prominent Afro-house DJ, producer, and radio host DJ LESOUL; hip-hop and soul king Asvnte; and rising Gqom star DJ Cndo, while featuring collaborations with local streetwear brands like Richmanskyf, Refuse, and Elizabeth Dust, celebrating the visual and kinetic energy that defines Durban.

“Gqom is more than a genre,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s a movement. And it started here. MOM gives us a chance to honor Gqom’s roots, spotlight the artists, and fuel its next chapter.”

The triple threat: Gqom, Amapiano, and Kwaito

Bred in Durban’s underground scenes, Gqom found its footing around 2009. The city’s minibus taxis became an integral part of Gqom culture, playing host to dance battles and giving commuters a place to share and rate the latest tracks. The vibrant Bhenga dance culture emerged soon thereafter, with expressive moves that feature wavy arms, toe-tapping, wobbly knees, and intricate footwork. 

With its raw, hypnotic sound born in the backrooms of KwaMashu, Gqom has seen a truly meteoric rise: Spotify recorded a staggering 5,732% growth in global Gqom streams since 2018. Check out the top 10 global Gqom hits:

    1. “Ama Gear” by Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla, MK Productions, and Zee Nxumalo
    2. “Ngeke” by Big Nuz and Dj Yamza
    3. “Omunye” by Benny Maverick, Distruction Boyz, and Dladla Mshunqisi
    4. “John Cena” by Sho Madjozi
    5. “Hade Boss” by DJ Lag, K.C Driller, and Mr Nation Thingz
    6. “Sohlala Sisonke” by  Dlala Thukzin, MK Productions, and Zeh McGeba
    7. “Banomoya” by Busiswa, Prince Kaybee, and TNS
    8. “Midnight Starring” by Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Moonchild Sanelly, and Rude Boyz
    9. “Ngibambeni” by Mxolisi Khumalo, YANII
    10. “Eyadini” by Dason, Manqonqo, and Saviour Gee

While Amapiano has found worldwide appeal, Durban artists have infused the genre with a unique, gritty, and soulful flavor. It’s a sound deeply influenced by the city’s Gqom roots, born from township ingenuity and a distinct local vibe. This is the music of artists like Dlala Thukzin, MaWhoo, Distruction Boyz, and Rudeboyz, who are carrying the torch passed down by their house and Kwaito forebears.

Amapiano’s rise is nearly incomprehensible, with an explosive 114,377% growth in global streams between 2018 and 2024. The top 10 Amapiano tunes globally and their makers are:

    1. “Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)” by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mthunzi, Sizwe Alakine, Umthakathi Kush, and Young Stunna
    2. “Mnike” by Ceeka RSA, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Tumelo_za, Tyler ICU, and Tyrone Dee
    3. “Awukhuzeki” by DJ Stokie, Omit ST, Sobzeen, and Zee_nhle
    4. “Masithokoze” by DJ Stokie, and Eemoh
    5. “Imnandi lento” by Mellow & Sleazy, SjavasDaDeejay, TitoM, and Tman Xpress
    6. “Izenzo” by Aymos, Bassie, and T-Man SA
    7. “Mina Nawe” by Emotionz DJ, Happy Jazzman, Mashudu, and Soa Mattrix
    8. “Keneilwe” by Dalom Kids, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter, and Wanitwa Mos
    9. “SETE” by Blxckie, K.O, and Young Stunna
    10. “Sukakude” by Babalwa M, Kelvin Momo, and Sfarzo Rtee

Kwaito’s 9,820% rise since 2018 is also staggering. The hottest Kwaito songs on the global charts are:

    1. “Lento” by Professor and Speedy
    2. “Khona” by Mafikizolo and Uhuru
    3. “Nkalakatha” by Mandoza
    4. “Magasman” by Lebo Mathosa and Trompies
    5. “Sister Bethina” by Mgarimbe
    6. “Ngomhla Wosindiso – 2014” by Zola
    7. “Live My Life” by Winnie Khumalo
    8. “Sweety Lavo” by Copperhead, OSKIDO, and Trompies
    9. “Be There” by Big Nuz, DJ Ganyani, and MLU
    10. “Umdlwembe” by Zola

Through Mother of Music, we are reaffirming our commitment to telling local stories that have global resonance. With Gqom, Durban built a genre that shook the world, and the world is still dancing.

Stream our MOM playlist on Spotify.

Live Nation Urban and Spotify Bring Emerging UK R&B Talent to the US with RNB X Live: The UK Sound

July 31, 2025

Next month, Spotify teams up with Live Nation Urban for an exciting new live music experience: RNB X Live: The UK Sound. This limited concert series will spotlight rising R&B voices from the U.K., with can’t-miss performances from kwn, Odeal, Elmiene, Sasha Keable, and Venna.

Following the success of Spotify’s RNB X After Hours showcase in Washington, D.C., earlier this year, which featured major acts including Normani, Bryson Tiller, and Leon Thomas, this new two-city series will bring the soulful, genre-blending sounds of the U.K. to both coasts of the U.S.

The series kicks off at August Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, August 21, with performances by kwn and Odeal, before heading to Irving Plaza in New York City on Wednesday, August 27, where Elmiene, Sasha Keable, and Venna will take the stage.

Backed by Spotify’s flagship R&B playlist, RNB X, the debut of RNB X Live: The UK Sound marks the latest chapter in the platform’s celebration of R&B’s global evolution. In partnership with Live Nation Urban, this dual concert event kicks off Spotify’s spotlight on U.K. R&B, part of an ongoing effort to amplify regional scenes shaping the genre’s future.

Presales for RNB X Live: The UK Sound begin today via Live Nation at 2 PM ET and Spotify Fans First at 5 PM ET. General ticket sales go live for New York City and San Francisco on August 1 at 10 AM local time.

“The U.S. has long been the mecca for what we recognize as R&B today, but the U.K. has always held its own, with a rich legacy and a wave of fresh, genre-pushing talent,” said Alaysia Sierra, Head of R&B Editorial. “In the age of streaming, the globalization of R&B means we’re more connected than ever to artists who are redefining the sound from across the pond. From legends like Sade, Craig David, and Corinne Bailey Rae to innovators like Cleo Sol, Elmiene, Sasha Keable, and kwn, the U.K. scene continues to evolve with intention.”

With RNB X Live: The UK Sound, we’re giving fans an immersive way to tap into that energy—celebrating what U.K. artists are bringing to the table while spotlighting R&B’s global reach through our flagship RNB X playlist with more to come.

Spotify and Budweiser Rock Manchester With Live Music, a Tattoo Studio, Exclusive Merch, and More

December 12, 2024

Since Spotify launched AUX Live Experiences for U.S. advertisers earlier this year, brands like FanDuel and Samsung have tapped into our offering to build cultural relevance, connect with their audiences in real life, and cultivate fresh fandoms.

On Wednesday, we expanded our live-events offering to the U.K., with Budweiser as our first partner. Together, we hosted a special “Music Depot” experience at Manchester’s iconic Diecast venue, a former metalworks factory. The evening brought together more than 500 fans for an exclusive, high-energy celebration of live music and culture.

“Spotify is committed to deepening the connections between artists, brands, and fans. With AUX Live Experiences, we’ve seen that our branded live events are cultural moments that get people talking and deliver results for advertisers,” said Ed Couchman, Head of U.K. & Northern Europe Sales at Spotify. “We were excited to bring our AUX Live Experience with Budweiser to life in Manchester, offering local music fans an unforgettable experience.”

Hailing from Stockport, Greater Manchester, Blossoms headlined the event, bringing their signature indie rock to a hometown crowd. The band was supported by indie-pop duo Good Neighbours, and DJs Rowena Alice, Chaise, and Tinea Taylor spun sets throughout the evening.

Big ‘Higher Learning’ Fan? We Are Too. Rachel Lindsay Shares Why Video Is Such an Important Part of the Podcast

November 14, 2024

This week, talented creators traveled to Los Angeles to join Spotify for Now Playing, where we unveiled a series of new offerings aimed at helping them better monetize their video podcasts on Spotify and grow their audiences. It was an exciting event that spotlighted our biggest update to podcasts on Spotify—including an exciting evolution of the name and brand of our accompanying platform to Spotify for Creators—all to better serve the multiformat needs of our community.

One creator in attendance was Rachel Lindsay. The attorney, internet personality, author, and Bachelorette star is also the cohost of the Ringer podcast Higher Learning. On the show, Rachel and her cohost Van Lathan dissect the biggest topics in Black culture, politics, and sports. At Now Playing, Rachel shared her experience and expertise in a panel titled “Fandoms Are Culture: How Creators & Content Grow on Spotify.”

For the Record caught up with Rachel to learn more about how her show comes together, as well as the creators and artists she’s currently listening to on Spotify.

What inspired you to start your show?

Sometimes other people recognize what is right for you before you can see it for yourself. I always wanted to be in the media but thought that only could be with television. I met Bill Simmons because I was doing some interviews with Juliet Litman on Bachelor Party. I ended up doing some other work with The Ringer, and eventually Bill asked me if I wanted to create a project that was purposeful and I could be proud of. He had an idea and introduced me to my cohost, Van Lathan. We immediately connected and had a brother-sister relationship. Originally we were supposed to start our podcast in March 2020, but COVID hit and changed everything regarding the production and launch of our podcast. We eventually launched in May 2020, which was a very pivotal and dark time for Black people in this country. We decided to change the direction of our podcast to be the pulse of the culture…the rest is Higher Learning history.

How do you select the topics you cover?

We have a topical show that is a reflection of what is happening in the culture. If something is happening in the world, we want people to know that you can find us covering it that week. We select topics by following the news, social media, reading articles, podcasts, and talking with friends. We don’t want to miss breaking news or viral moments. We share stories, ideas, and topics in a group chat and narrow down what is the most effective rundown for our show.

How has working with Spotify helped strengthen your connection with your fans?

Higher Learning was one of the first podcasts to have the video element. This allowed our viewers to feel as if they were sitting at the podcast table with us in an intimate way. Video brings the podcast to life in a different way. My favorite thing is to spot one of our listeners (aka Thought Warriors) in the wild. They will often tell me how they feel like they know us and relate to us, and it is because they can watch us on Spotify with video.

What advice do you have for emerging creators?

There is so much content available out there that covers every genre, topic, etc. What makes the content different is the creator. I would encourage you to find something that you are passionate about and then apply your unique voice and perspective to it because that is what will differentiate you. Do not try to emulate your favorite creator. Learn from them and use them as a guide to build something special.

Are there any Spotify features or tools that are especially helpful for you?

I cannot talk enough about Spotify video!

Who are some of your favorite creators to follow?

Everyone on The Ringer and Ringer Reality TV, Danny Pellegrino, Kid Fury and Crissle, and Natasha Parker.

What are you currently listening to?

Akeem Ali, Tyler, The Creator, Willie Jones, GloRilla, BigXthaPlug, Doechii, and Muni Long.

Rachel Lindsay, Van Lathan, and Mallory Rubin speak onstage during the “Now Playing” Event

Check out more coverage from Spotify’s Now Playing event.

From Corridos Tumbados to Mexican Reggaetón, Experience the Wide-Ranging Sounds of Mexico at MEXCLA Spotify

October 29, 2024

On November 2 and 3, more than 27 artists will take the stage at MEXCLA Spotify: Palenque, Feria y Cotorreo. The event, hosted at Parque Bicentenario in Mexico City, brings fans, artists, and creators together to celebrate the sounds and styles of Música Mexicana. One of the strengths of the region’s music is its rich diversity—it’s no surprise to hear the beats of Mexican reggaetón alongside the reverberations of Mexican pop as you travel from shops to restaurants to live music venues throughout the country. 

MEXCLA Spotify aims to reflect that musical diversity during one special weekend in a lineup comprised of 100% Mexican artists—from Música Mexicana, banda, norteño, and corridos tumbados to hip-hop, Mexican reggaeton, alternative pop, folk, and electronica.

Spotify listening trends informed this event. Last year, half of the 50 most-listened-to songs on Spotify Mexico were by Mexican artists, a huge jump forward from just five years ago, when that number was only 14%. Additionally, the streams from Mexican artists are increasing, with a whopping 100% year-over-year growth in Mexico since 2013. This music is traveling far beyond the geographical boundaries of the country, too. Since 2019, the collective streams of Mexican artists have more than tripled globally, soaring by more than 220%.

Here’s a taste of whom fans will see.

Música Mexicana

  • Grupo Firme helped grow Música Mexicana into a global phenomenon.
  • Luis R Conriquez is one of the most popular singers and composers of Música Mexicana, and a pioneer of corridos bélicos.
  • Grupo Marca Registrada stands out for its norteño and sierreño styles and has been evolving to incorporate hip-hop and electronic.
  • La Adictiva is a quintet hailing from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, known for its norteño style.
  • El Padrinito Toys recently became one of the most-played corrido tumbados artists.

Mexican Reggaetón

Mexican Hip-Hop

  • RICH MAFÍA is composed of two artists who influenced the last decade of Mexican hip-hop: Alemán and Gera MX.

 Alternative Pop and Folk

  • Kevin Kaarl is a folk artist who has racked up streams in 180 countries. 
  • Silvana Estrada won the Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best New Artist.
  • ALMAS is a female group with a K-Pop-inspired style.

 

Find a full list of artists performing here, and you can purchase tickets through Boletia.

The MEXCLA Spotify event will soon be upon us. Get inspired by the wide-ranging sounds of Mexican music by listening to our MEXCLA Spotify playlist.

 

Spotify Celebrates Wrapped With A Totally Normal Party for 2021

December 15, 2021

Photo credits: Getty images

On December 1 we unveiled 2021 Spotify Wrapped, enabling our listeners to reflect—and rejoice—as they got to witness and share what they listened to this year. As this was a year unlike any before, 2021 Wrapped was too. So even after the in-app experience debuted and the top artists and podcasters of the year were revealed, we couldn’t let the Wrapped energy stop there. We wanted to continue to celebrate and connect fans and artists to each other. 

So last night in LA, we brought the Wrapped campaign experience to life in a way only Spotify can with A Totally Normal Party for 2021. The event featured themed audio activations, aura readings from Mystic Michaela, groove-garnering DJs, and a performance from the one and only Gwen Stefani. 

Musical moments

We kicked off the night with a DJ set from Lost Kings. The LA-based duo, Robert Abisi and Nick Shanholtz, gained momentum online with their catchy remixes of pop hits and are now spinning beats of their own as well.

Afterward, because no Spotify event would be complete without a surprise, the local USC Trojan Marching Band erupted through the curtains in full uniform. They played an instrumental medley of the five most streamed songs on Spotify in 2021: Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license,” Lil Nas X’s “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” The Kid LAROI’s “STAY (with Justin Bieber),” Olivia Rodrigo’s “good 4 u,” and Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”).

Get a Glimpse Into the Festival di Sanremo With Spotify’s First Italian Original Podcast, ‘The Jackal: tutto Sanremo ma dura meno’

March 4, 2021

Every year, the eyes and ears of Italy turn to the coasts of Liguria for the Festival di Sanremo, a competition where artists premiere never-before-heard songs in Italian. Now, Spotify is bringing the sounds of Sanremo to listeners around the globe through Spotify’s first Italian Original podcast: The Jackal: tutto Sanremo ma dura meno. Hosted by The Jackal, a renowned Italian comedy collective, the show is a lighthearted look at the festival’s history all the way up to this year’s event, which concludes on March 6.

The festival, which first started in 1951, consists of two categories: one for well-known singers and one for young newcomers. Competition rules dictate that the song must have never been performed in public before, and it must be an original tune. Festival di Sanremo is where many Italian artists make their debuts (like award-winning singer-songwriter Laura Pausini), and there are often international stars who make guest appearances during the event. The winners of the competition are determined by voting from a jury and by guests watching the televised event and voting from home.

The first four episodes of the 10-part podcast are dedicated to the comedy group’s favorite moments of past competitions, highlighting funny and heartwarming stories that made the beloved festival what it is today. After walking down memory lane, the hosts give a play-by-play of this year’s event, peppering their retelling with The Jackal’s signature wit and sharp humor.

Whether you’re interested in experiencing a cherished Italian tradition or you’re a longtime follower of The Jackal, check out The Jackal: tutto Sanremo ma dura meno, available now exclusively on Spotify.

Creators and Storytellers Shine Bright at Spotify Stream On

February 22, 2021

At Stream On, Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek was joined by artists, podcasters, and other notable storytellers. We’d like to thank these guests—from all over the world, both established and emerging—for participating in our virtual event earlier today. 

Visit here for more on our commitment to empowering creators—the new, the rising, and the icons—around the world using our unparalleled data, insights, and powerful platform.