News
Botswana’s Titose strikes a chord in Nairobi as Spotify fires up Africa’s R&B resonance
In the heart of Africa, a symphony is unfolding. The smooth melodies, emotive lyrics, and soul-stirring narratives of R&B have found their sweet spot on the continent, serenading an ever-welcoming audience. But this is no ordinary R&B resurgence; it’s an epic musical adventure that’s captivated souls and hearts across Africa.
In a quest to amplify the genre’s popularity, Spotify, the global music giant, joined forces with COLORSxSTUDIOS to orchestrate a musical extravaganza that would bring the best of R&B to the forefront. Picture this: 18 gifted musicians, songwriters, and producers from across the African tapestry—Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Botswana, Burundi, and the global diaspora—converging on the vibrant streets of Nairobi. This was no ordinary gathering; it was a multi-day songwriting camp that was set to redefine the boundaries of creativity. And the results? Pure magic.
A Star-Studded Affair
Among the luminaries who graced the camp were some of the brightest talents in the R&B universe. Hailing from different corners of the African continent, these artists, songwriters, and producers descended on Nairobi to create something extraordinary. The ensemble included Nigeria’s Tay Iwar, South Africa’s Msaki, Kenya’s Xenia Manasseh, Sauti Sol’s own Bien, the enchanting Titose from Botswana, and Nigeria’s very own Mbryo.
What a night 🔥 Thank you Nairobi for spending time with us and @colorsxstudios! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/xazH6gFZ00— Spotify Africa (@SpotifyAfrica) October 9, 2023
But this gathering was not just about music; it was about a movement, a mission to spotlight and celebrate homegrown R&B on a global scale. Spotify’s East Africa artist and label partnerships manager, Monica Kemoli-Savanne, underlined the intention behind this grand collaboration. “The intention was to create a space for cross-border collaboration between African R&B artists. Collaboration is key in the movement and export of music, and that’s why we had this camp,” she emphasized. Spotify’s commitment to showcasing top African R&B talent, a genre with a unique ability to touch the soul, was the driving force behind this musical rendezvous.
Nairobi’s Night of R&B Magic
When the final note was penned at the camp, the music didn’t stop. In fact, it was just the beginning. Spotify knew how to throw a party, and they treated music enthusiasts to an unforgettable R&B night at the Nairobi Street Kitchen. Established and up-and-coming R&B artists, songwriters, and music producers from across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond united for a night of musical ecstasy.
Titose: A Rising Star from Botswana
Amidst the dazzling array of talent, Titose emerged as a rising star. Hailing from Botswana, Titose, an R&B and Trapsoul singer and songwriter, is making waves. Her music is the result of collaborations with Zambian-born producer AmoBeatz, seamlessly blending contemporary hip-hop with the smoother and warmer sounds of R&B. Inspired by her personal experiences and conversations with friends, Titose’s journey started at the tender age of 2, growing up with a soundtrack of alternative, hip-hop, and pop music. Her meteoric rise is undeniable, and her stage name, Titose, is now a fixture on playlists around the world.
The night opened with electric anticipation, an energetic ambiance where guests mingled and eagerly awaited the thrilling performances. The lineup of DJs was a stellar cast, showcasing emerging R&B stars who cast their spell, playing hit songs from Spotify’s premium R&B playlist, “Tantalizers.” The dance floor came alive, and the room buzzed with electric energy. Sir M kicked things off with a chill set, setting the vibes for the night. Blinky Bill followed, electrifying the crowd with his energetic performance, delivering hit after crowd-pleasing hit. Coco Em closed the night with a hip-hop set, igniting the audience with her unique style.
A Celebration of R&B’s Power
But this night was more than just music; it was a celebration of the R&B community, an ode to its artistry, and a reminder of the potent magic of music. Nairobi, Botswana, and the entire African continent came together to appreciate the genre’s depth, and the power of music to unite, inspire, and create unforgettable moments.
This Nairobi rendezvous was more than a songwriting camp; it was a movement, a celebration, and a testament to the boundless potential of African R&B. As these notes continue to echo, the world eagerly awaits the stories, melodies, and beats yet to be unveiled by the talented Titose and her fellow maestros. The African R&B renaissance is in full swing, and the world is dancing to its rhythm.
Celebrated poet and musician iDLE is thrilled to announce the release of his latest single, “Soboka,” now available on all major streaming platforms.
The new single, “Soboka,” marks a powerful return for iDLE, showcasing his lyrical ability and unique storytelling. The song reflects iDLE’s artistic growth and renewed energy.
“I took a break from performing and releasing poetry, but my pen never rested,” said iDLE. “The ink flowed over many pages, telling countless stories. Now, after finding balance in all things art, I’m excited to share this journey with you all. ‘Soboka’ is just the beginning.”
Key Highlights:
Release Date: 01/07/2024
Streaming Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more.
Music Video: An official music video for “Soboka” will be released soon.
About iDLE: iDLE is a renowned poet from Kanye, Botswana, known for his captivating performances and thought-provoking poetry. iDLE has touched the hearts of many with his words and music. His hiatus allowed him to explore new artistic avenues, leading to the creation of “Soboka,” a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the arts.
Established in 2008, the Technical Device Fund Levy aims to foster the creation and production of literary and artistic works while supporting the enforcement of copyright and neighboring rights. This initiative has significantly contributed to the technological advancement of businesses, particularly SMEs, across various industries. In this article, we explore the achievements of the fund to date, the impact it has had on local businesses, and the monitoring tools employed by CIPA to ensure the effective use of the funding. Joining us for an insightful discussion is Ms. Keitseng Monyatsi from Copyright Administration at CIPA, who will provide an update on the latest developments and future plans for the fund.
Rati: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have a special update from the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) regarding the Levy Technical Device Fund. We are joined by Ms. Keitseng Monyatsi, who will shed some light on the latest developments. Thank you for being with us today.
Ms. Monyatsi: Thank you for having me.
Rati: Can you start by giving us an overview of the Levy Technical Device Fund and its primary objectives?
Ms. Monyatsi: Certainly. The Levy Technical Device Fund is an initiative by CIPA aimed at supporting the acquisition of technical devices that enhance the operations and capabilities of businesses, particularly SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). The primary objective is to promote technological advancement and innovation within the business community, ensuring that local businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital global market.
Rati: That sounds like a significant step forward. Can you tell us about the recent updates or changes to the fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: Absolutely. One of the key updates is the increase in the funding limit. Previously, businesses could apply for up to BWP 50,000 in support, but we have now raised this limit to BWP 100,000. This change is aimed at accommodating larger-scale projects and more advanced technological needs.
Rati: That’s a substantial increase. What has prompted this decision?
Ms. Monyatsi: We’ve seen a growing demand for more sophisticated technology among local businesses. As they scale up and face more complex challenges, the need for advanced devices and systems has become more apparent. The increase in funding is a response to these evolving needs, ensuring that businesses have the resources to invest in cutting-edge technology.
Rati: How can businesses apply for this fund, and what are the eligibility criteria?
Ms. Monyatsi: The application process is quite straightforward. Businesses need to submit a detailed proposal outlining their technological needs and how the fund will be used to address these needs. The proposal should include a budget breakdown and expected outcomes. As for eligibility, applicants must be registered with CIPA and demonstrate a clear need for the technical device in question. Priority is given to businesses that can show potential for significant impact and innovation.
Rati: Are there any success stories or examples of businesses that have benefited from the Levy Technical Device Fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: Yes, there are several success stories. For instance, a local agribusiness recently used the fund to purchase advanced irrigation systems, which significantly increased their yield and efficiency. Another example is a tech startup that acquired high-performance servers to support their growing client base, enabling them to scale their operations and offer better services.
Rati: It’s great to hear such positive outcomes. What are the future plans for the Levy Technical Device Fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: We plan to continue expanding the fund and exploring partnerships with other organizations to provide even more comprehensive support. Additionally, we are looking into offering training and advisory services to help businesses make the most of their technological investments.
Rati: Thank you for sharing these insights. Any final words for businesses considering applying for the fund?
Ms. Monyatsi: I would encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity. Investing in technology can be a game-changer, and the Levy Technical Device Fund is here to support you in making that leap. Don’t hesitate to reach out to CIPA for assistance with your application.
Rati: Thank you, Ms. Monyatsi, for this informative update. We look forward to seeing how the fund continues to benefit the business community.
Ms. Monyatsi: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
The wait is almost over! Priscilla K, the versatile and high-potential artist, has just announced that her much-anticipated album is coming out soon. Fans have been eagerly asking for new music, and she’s finally delivering. This year alone, she dropped a joint project with superstar Han C and St Louis, adding to her collection of multiple hit records.
Priscilla K has been honing her craft and has collaborated with some of the best in the industry, including Chef Gustos and her long-time collaborator Dj Levels. Recently, she teamed up with Flex the Ninja on production, promising a fresh and exciting sound.
A few years ago, Priscilla K was part of an initiative by Red Bull Music and Tall Racks Records called Lift As You Rise. This initiative gave artists from around the continent the opportunity to submit their own 16 bars to tracks that already featured verses by renowned artists like Nasty C, Tellaman, Gemini Major, Rowlene, Lastee, and Zino D.
She’s also made significant strides across the border, collaborating with Sun El Musician, Karyendasoul, and many other top Deejays, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
We’re so ready to experience what this BW native is about to dish out
