… A Center For Afrobeats, Food And Culture
Swedish audio streaming and digital media service provider, Spotify, unveiled its immersive pop-up experience, ‘Greasy Tunes Café’, on Tuesday in Lagos, Nigeria. This three-week activation celebrates the deep connection between Nigerian music, food, and youth culture, with a spotlight on Gen Z’s love for Afrobeats and local cuisine.
Guests, including influencers, podcasters, artists, and fans, were treated to a unique experience where ordering a Nigerian dish instantly generated a personalized Spotify playlist or podcast, curated based on the meal. Backed by Spotify’s latest data, the café reflects how music and food shape daily life for Nigerian youth.
Spotify’s Bea Theron and Victor Okpala led intimate fireside chats, sharing the campaign’s vision. Theron described the café as a “future-facing model” blending Afrobeats with authentic local flavours, while Okpala announced programming to spotlight emerging artists like Fola and Adekunle Gold, plus an October 11 documentary screening on Afro-funk and the Eyo masquerade.
Afrobeats rising star, Fola and South African artist, Thakzin, shared raw insights into their creative journeys. Fola emphasized hard work and authenticity: “Nothing about my journey is overnight.” Thakzin spoke of emotional storytelling through rhythm: “You have to go harder to move people.”
The night ended with a high-energy set from DJ Dami Osinubi, as guests danced, dined, and celebrated the fusion of sound and flavour. The launch set a bold tone for Spotify’s cultural engagement in Nigeria, blending entertainment with empowerment.
