Apple Music launches Oshe Naija to mark Nigeria's Independence Day

Oshe Naija translates from Yoruba as 'Thanks, Nigeria' and the collection will comprise of new releases and classic Nigerian albums. Additionally, there will be essential artist playlists and music videos, as well as a special focus on notable names across Apple Music’s Nigerian playlists, which include Afrobeats Hits, Naija Hits, Alte Cruise and Afrobeats Workout.

"These songs, in my opinion, had a major impact on the growth and development of Afrobeats as a sound and culture," producer and Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy, who is an Oshe Naija curator, said. 

Other celebrity curators include singer-songwriter Bankulli, producer Del B, actresses Beverly Naya and Ini Edo, fashion model Mayowa Nicholas, broadcasters Toolz and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, footballer Henry Onyekuru and mixed martial artist and Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder Israel Adesanya.

"Afrobeats inspires and motivates me to excel and be the best in my own career," Adesanya said. "It is my life soundtrack, when I train, when I fight, when I celebrate and when I am down. Afrobeats is ingrained in my DNA."

Over the past few years, Nigeria has strategically positioned itself as a leading contributor to the growing Afrobeats sound. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Davido and Tiwa Savage have been pivotal in bringing the genre to new global audiences. These musicians and many of their colleagues across the continent have been behind highly successful crossover collaborations, which industry experts believe have been essential to the genre’s global acceptance.

"To be part of the generation that has seen the rise of Afrobeats and Afropop music has been nothing short of spectacular," fashion consultant and media personality Denola Grey said. "Being a proud Nigerian and watching our musicians dominate the music scene, both locally and globally, brings me great joy and pride."

Access Apple Music's Oshe Naija content here.