Asake to headline Spotify’s African Heat Playlist to usher in 2026

Spotify says Afrobeats superstar, Asake, will curate its ‘African Heat Playlist’ for an exclusive New Year’s Eve takeover as the world ushers in 2026.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, who disclosed this in statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said that the collaboration would feature Asake’s chart-topping songs alongside defining sounds from across the African continent.

She added that the ‘African Heat’ would capture the energy and confidence of contemporary African music, offering fans a high energy soundtrack to welcome the new year.

“African Heat is about capturing the energy and confidence of African music as it exists today.

“Having Asake as the cover reflects the kind of artistes shaping how African sounds move through the world, rooted at home but resonating everywhere,” Okumu said.

According to her, African Heat, which boasts over one million followers, has evolved from a playlist into a global movement, serving as a key platform for African artistes to reach new audiences while spotlighting the continent’s most influential songs and cultural milestones.

“With Asake, one of the most-streamed artistes on Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa fronting the playlist, the takeover celebrates the expanding global footprint of African music on the world stage.”

She noted that the choice of Asake reflects his dominance over the past few years, marked by multiple era defining albums and sold-out international arena tours.

“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.”