Spotify launches Greasy Tunes Café pop-up in Lagos

The café combines culinary and musical experiences, allowing visitors to order Nigerian dishes and instantly receive a personalised Spotify playlist or podcast curated in real time based on their meal choices. The concept is informed by Spotify’s recent data indicating that for Nigerian Gen Z listeners, music and food are key parts of their daily lives, with Afrobeats dominating their playlists throughout the day.

Spotify executives Bea Theron, experiential marketing manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, and Victor Okpala, artist and label partnerships manager for West Africa, outlined the initiative’s aims during a fireside chat. Theron described the café as an immersive project centred on culture, music and food, highlighting Spotify’s ongoing focus on supporting creatives and amplifying local storytelling in Lagos.

Okpala said the café would act as both a platform for emerging talent and an educational hub. He mentioned upcoming activities, including a documentary screening on Afro-Nigerian Afro-funk and the Eyo masquerade scheduled for 11 October. He said the programme would showcase a range of rising artists, such as Fola and Adekunle Gold.

The event also featured a discussion with Spotify RADAR artist Thakzin from South Africa and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Fola, both recognised among Spotify’s most-streamed emerging acts of the decade. They shared reflections on their artistic journeys, with Fola emphasising perseverance in the music industry, and Thakzin underscoring the importance of emotion in musical innovation.

Following the talks, DJ Dami Osinubi performed a live set that transitioned the event into a party atmosphere. Attendees, including media, artists and fans, engaged with the music while sampling local food and drinks.

The Lagos launch marks the beginning of the Greasy Tunes Café pop-up, which will continue over the coming weeks with further cultural and musical programming celebrating Nigeria’s creative landscape.