Music collaboration: Africa’s path to global stage

Dar es Salaam. African musicians are crafting a distinctive and dynamic sound by working together across genres and borders, and this trend is catching the world’s attention.

The recently released Spotify Global Impact 2025 report on Sub-Saharan Africa underscores the importance of these collaborations in pushing African music to new heights.

Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ms Phiona Okumu, highlighted that partnerships are redefining the music industry.

She pointed out that success in the industry is now built on unity rather than competition.

“By working together, they are not only reshaping the sound of global music but also showcasing the continent's rich diversity and talent to a worldwide audience,” Ms Okumu said.

She also noted that Africa has entered a new era as a global music powerhouse, with collaboration playing a crucial role in this transformation.

From East to West, and from North to South, Africa's music scene is alive with exciting cross-border collaborations making waves internationally.

The fusion of various sounds and styles has some of the continent’s biggest hits, proving that collaboration is a winning formula.

One prime example is "Komasava," a high-energy track by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, featuring South African artists Chley and Amapiano sensation Khalil Harrison.

The song blends Bongo Flava with the infectious beats of Amapiano, making it a favourite across several regions.

Nigerian DJ and producer Spinall's "One Call," featuring South African Grammy winner Tyla and Nigerian artist Omah Lay, has also garnered significant recognition, reinforcing the power of cross-genre collaborations.

Similarly, “No 1” by Tyla and Tems has taken the global music scene by storm, with nearly 36 million streams worldwide, showcasing the strength of African female artists.

The international demand for African music is at an all-time high, with streaming numbers skyrocketing and audiences worldwide embracing the continent's distinctive sound.

Ghanaian singer King Promise's "Continental," featuring Nigerian sensation Shallipopi, is yet another testament to the power of collaboration, earning a place on Spotify's Global Impact list.

In Kenya, "DIGII III" by Mr Tee, Tenorboy, and producer Chacha has emerged as the most-streamed Kenyan track worldwide, showcasing the country’s growing influence on the global music scene.

These collaborations are expanding the reach of African artists and setting new standards in the industry.

As more artistes embrace collaboration, Africa’s position in the global music scene will continue to grow.

The world is listening, and African music is shaping the conversation—one collaboration at a time.