Spotify welcomes Nigerian singer oSHAMO to RADAR programme

The artist development initiative, launched in 2020, is dedicated to driving the discovery of emerging artists across the world while exposing them to new global fan communities on the platform.

As a RADAR artist, oSHAMO will benefit from editorial, on-platform and off-platform support from Spotify, which boasts 615 million monthly active users and a catalogue of more than 100 million songs. The service is available in more than 180 markets.

“We’re thrilled to introduce audiences to the future of music, songwriting and podcasts with this new campaign,” Spotify global music programmes lead Hannah Beeching said. “RADAR originally started as a way to support emerging artists and has now expanded to include songwriters and podcasters from around the world. The program gives creators a global platform to help grow their careers and reach new and existing fans through bespoke social content, marketing and editorial opportunities.”

Born in Lagos and residing in London, oSHAMO’s musical journey began at the age of 14. He cites Fela Kuti, Ayinde Barrister, Wizkid, Mr Eazi and Burna Boy as his biggest musical influences.

The singer’s RADAR announcement coincides with the arrival of his ‘oSHA-PIANO’ single, which is now available for streaming and download. It blends Fuji, amapiano and hip hop. Thematically, the song chronicles oSHAMO’s journey, reflecting his struggles and search for purpose.

“This song was heavily inspired by my love for Fuji, hip hop and amapiano, and me trying to find a middle ground between these genres for my own music,” oSHAMO said. “Before ‘Life of the Party’, I had always been known as ‘that viral guy’ on TikTok that infuses genres, turns them into a 30-second sound, but never actually drops a full song. With ‘oSHA-PIANO’, it is the first song I’ve created that I really feel comfortable releasing. The song lyrics speak to my journey as an artist, from not knowing what to do with my life to now finding a purpose in musi.”

The track heralds its author’s forthcoming debut EP, due for release later this summer on emPawa Africa.