Apple Music Celebrates Talent Across the Continent with 'Africa Month' Launch

Apple Music is certainly keeping the African heat coming. After recently announcing that it would be expanding into 52 new countries around the world, with 25 of those countries African, the music streaming service has now launched Africa Month, a month-long celebration of talent across Africa. The campaign features 15 exclusive guest playlists which were curated by music heavyweights Angélique Kidjo,Davido,Sauti Sol, Jimmy Dludlu and others in addition to a playlist which features some of the biggest songs from the continent.

Speaking about the Africa Month campaign and her curated playlist, Kidjo says, "African music is rich and diverse because Africa is a continent, not a country." Kidjo goes on to add that, "[Africa's] music ranges from Uum Kulthum of Egypt down to Miriam Makeba of South Africa, with many distinct styles and subcultures in-between. This playlist is not an exhaustive snapshot of all of the important artists and genres, but is more like a journey through my musical life with the songs that inspired me and the many friendships I've found with my fellow African musicians."

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Nigerian superstar Davido says, "Yes, the world is currently in an odd place but I am staying positive and hoping for the best." He adds that, "It has given me a chance to enjoy some of the good things of life that work normally does not let me enjoy as much. For example, spending time with my family, especially my fiancé and son!"

READ: Davido's Fiancé, Chioma Rowland, Recovers from Coronavirus

Just last month, Apple Music launched its Stream Local initiative as part of efforts to support South African artists during the coronavirus outbreak. Featured playlists include, among several others, Mzansi Hits, Mzansi House, Amapiano Lifestyle, Afrikaanse Treffers and Mzansi Soul as well as Essentials playlists from South Africa's biggest hip-hop artists Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest and many others.

You can access the Africa Month playlists via mobile or desktop here.