One of the biggest names in Afrobeats has a new album on the way, and Spotify is celebrating with his picks of the genre’s classic songs. Spotify is launching the Timeless Afro playlist to honor some of the most iconic and enduring Afrobeats recordings, as selected by the worldwide sensation Davido, as he returns to the stage with the announcement of his eagerly anticipated album.
On March 21, 2023, the singer, producer, and label boss broke a protracted silence by announcing the impending release of his fourth solo full-length album, Timeless.
Davido has put together a playlist of classic Afrobeats songs for fans to listen to in order to get in the mood for the album’s release. Some of the most iconic Afrobeats tracks can be found on the Timeless Afro playlist, which also includes hits by Wizkid, Tekno, and Mr. Eazi, three of his colleagues. The playlist also includes some of the most well-known classics from the heyday of Afrobeats, such as songs by Sunny Neji, 2baba, and Naeto C, as well as key songs that served as inspiration for a number of earlier Afrobeats singers, such as Fela Kuti’s Zombie.
Davido represents the bravado, consistency, and enormous reach of Afrobeats, and we’re glad to celebrate his new body of work by joining him in highlighting some of the most enduring contributions by Afrobeats acts to our musical canon over the years, said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Africa at Spotify.
OBO, as Davido is affectionately referred to by fans, is one of the international faces of African music and is a member of a group of Nigerian musicians who have achieved enormous success in the digital era. The singer and label boss has transformed over the course of almost ten years from the Afropop wunderkind who made his name with Dami Duro and Back When to a world legend. The vocalist, who has released three studio albums, is known for songs like “Aye,” “If,” and “Fall.”
Davido is one of the most active cross-continental ambassadors and crossover musicians in Afrobeats, with a resume of solo successes and guest verses that could outlast any jam session. Along with North American celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, Young Thug, and Nas, his list of collaborators also includes musicians like Sauti Sol, Focalistic, and Kidi.
