Apple Music highlights Abidjan, Kinshasa and Dakar in Africa Month campaign

The campaign centres on curated playlists and exclusive DJ mixes by Rara Lii, Tysha Cii and Jeune Leo, designed to showcase the musical identities of the three Francophone African cities. According to the streaming platform, the selections combine older recordings with contemporary releases to reflect the evolution of local music scenes.

The playlists were assembled by artists, music executives and cultural figures connected to each city.

In Abidjan, music executive Franck Kacou described the city’s music culture as both rooted in tradition and shaped by innovation.

“African music is movement, memory, and momentum,” Kacou said. “This playlist reflects what Africa sounds like today: rooted in culture, fearless in innovation, and always ahead of the beat.”

For Kinshasa, the initiative highlights the influence of Congolese rumba and ndombolo on contemporary African music. Artist TRESOR said the city’s musical identity extends beyond entertainment.

“Kinshasa is not just a city. It is a sound,” he said, referring to the role of music in preserving memory and cultural identity across generations.

In Dakar, the playlist reflects music associated with everyday social and cultural life. Senegalese musician Baaba Maal said the selected tracks represented the character of the city.

“These songs represent the spirit of Dakar,” he said.

According to Apple Music, each playlist is accompanied by a DJ mix intended to provide listeners with a broader overview of the musical traditions and contemporary developments associated with each location.

The Sounds of Africa initiative forms part of the platform’s broader efforts to promote African music and artists to international audiences through editorial programming and curated content.