For three weeks in Lagos, Spotify’s Greasy Tunes Café pop-up brought the city’s mealtime soundtrack to life with local food, vibrant conversations, and unforgettable performances.
The event was inspired by Spotify data showing that a high-energy Afrobeats pulse is the constant backdrop to Nigerian Gen Zs’ daily meals. From breakfast to dinner, mainstays like Wizkid, Asake, and Burna Boy, podcasts such as I Said What I Said, and playlists like Hot Hits Naija and Gbedu all set the table for the city’s next generation.
“Nigerian Gen Zs are truly a testament to how music and culture are deeply connected,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “A familiar high-energy mix of Afrobeats acts as the constant, unifying soundtrack to their daily lives.”
The three-week event featured a packed schedule of music, panels, and culinary fusion. Here’s a look at the highlights.
Week 1: Lineage fuels the future
The opening week kicked off with an electric launch party where South Africa’s Thakzin set a global Amapiano vibe. The energy then shifted to thoughtful conversations about how African music evolves while honoring its roots. In a panel moderated by Benewah Boateng, producers Andre Vibez and Braye, alongside Brazilian artist Melly, explored the role of percussion and heritage in shaping identity.
A ceremonial Eyo masquerade connected contemporary Lagos to ancestral rhythms, leading into a discussion on cultural symbolism with SPINALL and Vector. The week closed with a performance from RADAR Africa artist FOLA, followed by Adekunle Gold, who surprised fans by bringing Yinka Ayefele onstage for “Many People.”
Week 2: Hip-hop heat, ancestral groove
The second week kept the energy high with performances from headliners ODUMODUBLVCK, The Cavemen, and Sarz. Greasy Tunes also spotlighted a new generation of female artists, with standout sets from EQUAL Africa ambassadors MOLIY and Joyce Olong, as well as Lady Donli and GoodGirl LA.
A live taping of the Loose Talk podcast traced hip-hop’s local lineage, followed by a screening of Ki’mon! The Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution 1970–1980. The week wrapped with The Cavemen’s highlife revival and a masterclass DJ set from Sarz.
Week 3: A grand closing with bells on
The final week concluded with the “Dirty, Sexy Rave” hosted by the Vogue Boys. The revolutionary spirit of Afrobeats took center stage, with a screening of The Afrobeat Rebellion revisiting the legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This was followed by a conversation with Afropolitan podcast hosts and activist-musician Ade Bantu on the genre’s future. Seun Kuti’s performance connected the crowd to Afrobeats’ origins, and a Fresh Finds showcase featuring artists like Wizard Chan, Famous Pluto, and Kunmie highlighted what’s next for the sound.
