Asake to Curate Spotify’s ‘African Heat’ Playlist for New Year’s Eve

Spotify has announced that Afrobeats star Asake will take over its popular ‘African Heat’ playlist for New Year’s Eve, curating an exclusive mix to welcome 2026.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said the takeover will feature Asake’s chart-topping hits alongside influential sounds from across the continent.

Okumu described ‘African Heat’ as a playlist that captures the energy and confidence of contemporary African music. “Having Asake as the cover reflects the kind of artists shaping how African sounds move through the world, rooted at home but resonating everywhere,” she added.

The playlist, which has over one million followers, has grown into a global platform spotlighting African artists and cultural milestones. Asake, one of the most-streamed artists in Sub-Saharan Africa on Spotify, was chosen due to his recent dominance in the music scene, marked by hit albums and sold-out international tours.

The New Year’s Eve curation aims to celebrate the expanding worldwide influence of African music, reinforcing the genre’s role as a leading cultural force.