Zambian Hip-Hop artist, Chanda Mbao, has recently been on a blazing path following the release of his most recent single, Money Gang, which features Malawian/South African producer and artist, Gemini Major. After premiering the music video exclusively on Trace Urban, the largest of the Trace television properties, the song and video seem to be everywhere. Now, Lusaka Times has just gotten word that the Zambian Hip-Hopper has been recognized by Spotify and playlisted on two official Spotify playlists, ‘Hip-Hop Juice’ and ‘Shisha Lounge’.
Hip-Hop Juice Playlist: http://bit.ly/MoneyGangHHJ
Shisha Lounge Playlist: http://bit.ly/MoneyGangShishaLounge
For those unfamiliar with Spotify and streaming, being playlisted on an official playlist is a major achievement as Spotify is the largest paid music streaming platform in the world by number of subscribers. With over 100 million subscribers, a popular song on the platform is the gateway to a global hit. Songs such as ‘Despacito’ by Luis Fonsi and ‘God’s Plan’ by Drake are just two examples of streaming hits that went global. Closer to home, Mr Eazi has been one of the continent’s streaming successes. The concept of ‘playlisting’ involves Spotify employees who curate popular music they believe has potential to grow globally.
The Hip-Hop Juice playlist which Chanda Mbao was recently placed on is Africa’s top followed Hip-Hop playlist and features big names such as AKA, Nasty C and Nadia Nakai, with Chanda Mbao placed near the top of the list (stream here). Mbao was also placed on a larger algorithmic playlist called ‘Shisha Lounge’ which features Drake on the cover (stream here) and boasts over 500,000 followers.
At a recent performance, Chanda Mbao spoke of the need for Zambian music fans to support their favorite artists as much as possible via digital platforms because that is what will allow Zambian musicians to monetize their craft and grow as brands internationally. Other artists such as Bobby East have recently remarked how opportunities for Zambian artists have been curtailed by a lack of numbers on digital platforms. Let’s support all our Zambian musicians with streams, views, likes and comments across digital platforms to increase their visibility on the global scene!
Listen to Chanda Mbao’s single on the playlists below! Be sure to stream Zambian!
Hip-Hop Juice Playlist: http://bit.ly/MoneyGangHHJ
Shisha Lounge Playlist: http://bit.ly/MoneyGangShishaLounge
Just searched for Chanda Mbao on Spotify and now listening to ‘Money Gang’. To be honest I am not impressed as would have expected a more unique or ethnic sound. Otherwise, why should I support you when you sound like any other hiphop artist out there? Just because you are Zambian just like me? Money has not patriotism! I would rather listen to you because when I do so I can relate to you at a certain level other than just that we are both Zambian! Anyway, you can’t claim we are not supporting you…and hopefully, it contributes to your bottom line and getting your profile out there somehow.
That’s a very fair comment. I would propose that you support your favorite Zambian artists–whoever they are (not me necessarily). The fact of the matter is that, across the board, ‘unique and ethnic’ or not, Zambian musicians are under-represented on global platforms. Whoever you believe deserves your support should receive it but especially if they are Zambian. As Zambians we often consume music made by foreigners whether or not they speak to our direct individual experience but we become much more philosophical and critical when it is a fellow Zambian. If Hip-Hop of this style isn’t your thing, I understand but the accolade and platform visibility opens doors for Zambian musicians in general. At the end of the day, it would be nice to see our arts and entertainment industry grow…
Sounds like Blabla is into makishi or nyau music. Well you have a point and a choice, so why waste you breath hating. Do you thing Chanda. ????????Represent