Entertainment
Spotify, COLORSxSTUDIOS collaborate to share Nigerian musical talent with the world
COLORSxSTUDIOS, Spotify partner to bring Ayra Starr’s electrifying performance to the masses
Reflecting their mutual commitment to spotlighting hot new talent across the globe, COLORSxSTUDIOS and Spotify have announced an exciting new partnership that will showcase selected African artists.
The artists will also be featured on the COLORSxSTUDIOS website for fans to learn about their stories and the inspiration that guides their music.
Known for its videos of rising stars performing their breakout tracks against a striking, monochromatic backdrop, COLORSxSTUDIOS is teaming up with Spotify to amplify selected up-and-coming Nigerian artists from their RADAR Africa playlist.
Spotify’s RADAR Africa programme aims to support emerging artists and put them on the map by presenting them to new audiences. A product of the programme, the RADAR Africa playlist is the number one spot for Spotify listeners to discover their new favourite tracks from the continent.
Recently, Nigeria’s musical talent has been receiving worldwide recognition and the first performer featured for the Spotify COLORS collaboration, Ayra Starr, is no exception. The Lagosian artist has quickly become one of the most exciting voices to come out of Africa’s most populous city. After sharing her eponymous debut EP in 2021 featuring standout singles such as ‘Away’ and ‘Sare’, she went on to cement her promising status by releasing her debut full-length album ‘19 & Dangerous’ later that year. Over the course of the eleven-track project, which includes contributions from the likes of Foushée and CKay, Ayra Starr showcases her musical prowess with punchy, vivid tracks like ‘Fashion Killer’ and ‘Bloody Samaritan’.
“It’s such an honor to be heard on COLORS and to be a Spotify RADAR artist all at once. I have watched so many COLORS videos over the years and always imagined what mine would look like, and I can certainly say I am proud of it!” says Ayra Starr.
“The song ‘Ase’ is very dear to my heart and I am so excited to share it with the world. I hope it empowers people the way it empowers me,” she adds.
With more than 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Ayra Starr is a force to be reckoned with. For her COLORS debut, she sets the stage alight with her brand new single ‘ASE’. Serving as another slice of the artist’s signature Afrosoul sound, the track showcases her infectious vocals and confident, empowering lyrics against a bouncy soundscape.
“The marriage between COLORS and Spotify is the perfect way to showcase the talent of artists featured on RADAR Africa,” says Lead Music Strategy and Operations for Spotify Africa, Melanie Triegaardt.
“This partnership represents our commitment to driving artist discoverability on the Spotify platform and helping them reach audiences beyond their home markets,” she adds, highlighting the importance of the collaboration for encouraging the growth of African artists.
“We are excited to get behind Ayra Starr as one of Africa’s fastest rising exports and we can’t wait to see what more this partnership will bring.”
Through collaborations with key music platforms like COLORS, that are dedicated to providing stages for non-ordinary expression, and through proprietary platforming efforts like RADAR Africa, Spotify remains committed to deepening the connection between fans and artists while providing support to African musicians destined for worldwide fame.
Fans should be sure to watch this space, as the collaboration still has much more to come. To check out Ayra Starr’s COLORS performance and discover more, music lovers can visit here.
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus.
The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.
Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.
Featuring a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.
The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.
Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.
Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.
The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include:
● Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering.
● Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries.
● Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”
● Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity.
● Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter.
● Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room.
● Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”
● Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter.
● Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.”
● Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.
Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up. Pastor Charles Mugisha said, “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.”
“I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”
The event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations. Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.
Join us for this global event to connect with believers from every corner of the world. Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com
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