Spotify has announced that Afrobeats star Asake will take over the curation of its popular African Heat playlist for a special New Year’s Eve edition as the world ushers in 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos by Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu. She said the collaboration will spotlight Asake’s hit records alongside standout sounds from across the African music landscape.
According to Okumu, the playlist is designed to reflect the boldness, confidence and vibrancy of contemporary African music while providing listeners with an energetic soundtrack to welcome the new year.
“African Heat is about capturing the energy and confidence of African music as it exists today,” she said.
“Having Asake as the cover reflects the kind of artists shaping how African sounds move through the world, rooted at home but resonating everywhere.”
She explained that African Heat, which has grown to over one million followers, has expanded beyond a regular playlist into a global cultural platform that helps African artistes reach wider audiences while highlighting the continent’s most influential sounds and moments.
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“With Asake, one of the most-streamed artists on Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa fronting the playlist, the takeover celebrates the expanding global footprint of African music on the world stage,” Okumu added.
She noted that Asake’s selection reflects his strong run over the past few years, driven by chart-topping releases, era-defining albums and sold-out arena tours across different countries.
“By tapping into the afrobeats star, African Heat further reinforces its role in pushing the genre from a regional movement into a leading global cultural force,” she said.