After a long wait, musician Bebe Cool has finally made it to the Coke Studio Africa.
The ‘Mbozi Za Malwa’ singer is among this year’s Ugandan representatives at Coke Studio. On the list he is joined by Sheebah and Ykee Benda, who are also debutants. The list is sealed by Eddy Kenzo, who is making it to the studio for the third time in a row.
Other musicians to participate in this year’s Coke Studio include; Khaligraph Jones & Band Becca from Kenya, Rayvanny, Izzo Bizness and Nandy from Tanzania, Sami Dan from Ethiopia, Nasty C, Busiswa, Mashayabhuqe from South Africa, Youssoupha from Democratic Republic of Congo along with Runtown and Yemi Alade from Nigeria.
Adding to the list are Dji Tafinha from Angola, Laura Beg from Mauritius, Jah Prayzah and Slapdee from Central Africa Republic, Bisa Kdei and Worlasi from Ghana, Betty G from Ethiopia, Bruce Melodie, Shellsy Baronet & Mr. Bow from Mozambique, Denise from Madagascar and Ozane from Togo, Freeda from Namibia.
Meanwhile, Coke Studio has merged its two flagship shows, Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa into one, the Coke Studio Africa 2017.
The merger increases the number of participating countries to 16, up from 11 in previous edition.
This season will broadcast in more than 30 countries across Africa, and the production now includes artistes from Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Togo, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon.
The last edition featured Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Cote d’ Ivoire, and Togo whilst South Africa had its own production.
“Coke Studio Africa showcases Africa’s incredible music by combining different artists and genres to inspire a new generation of African music fans. With the expanded show, we aim to bring the continent alive through a fusion of music and culture that celebrates our diversity,” said Monali Shah, the Senior Content Excellence Manager.
“Music is the heartbeat and the soul of many diverse communities throughout Africa. From Bongo, to Kwaito, to Lingala and other genres across Africa, Coke Studio Africa is helping introduce these different musical styles to new communities for the first time, while maintaining a long tradition of Coca-Cola’s use of music to build its brands,” she added.
Like the previous editions, Coke Studio aims to inspire and introduce Africa’s music talents to a new and wider audience through interaction, collaboration and cooperation among artistes while also building a strong brand connection with Africa’s young and growing population.
“Music has always been the heartbeat and soul of Africa, but the Internet, social media and creativity is taking artistes from their communities and cities and allowing them to reach an audience across the continent which is being supported through initiatives such as Coke Studio Africa,” said Rodney Nzioka, the Coca-Cola Uganda Franchise Brand Manager.
Coke Studio Africa 2017 is expected to air from August in South and Central Africa markets and from September onwards in East and West Africa.
Coke Studio Africa launched in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania in October, sparking a proud, colorful celebration of the continent’s rich musical heritage.
The pioneer artistes include; King Sunny Ade, MI, Waje, Jimmy Jatt and Bez from Nigeria; Salif Keita from Mali; Octopizzo, Miss Karun and Just a Band from Kenya; Hip Hop Pantsula and Tumi from South Africa; Boddhi Satva from the Central African Republic; Diamond Platinumz and Lady Jay Dee from Tanzania; the Culture Music Club of Zanzibar and Joel Sebunjo, Qwela and Lillian Mbabazi from Uganda.
