Africa's biggest entertainment stars for Coke Studio Africa

Coke Studio Africa 2017 will air on E-TV from mid August until October, to bring together the renowned music producers and top-notch artists drawn from various parts of the continent. The show takes viewers through the process of making music while following the artists on camera. It also aims to give upcoming artists an opportunity to work with some of the best local and international music and production talent.

Operations Director of Coke Studio Africa, Major Tikiwa told Vibe that Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa have merged for 2017, into one entity, which has increased the number of participating countries to 16 from 11 in the previous edition. He noted that the show brings together artists from different genres, eras and regions to create a modern authentic African sound through musical fusion.

Some of the artists expected to take part in this show include Jah Prayzah from Zimbabwe, Rayvanny, Izzo Bizness and Nandy from Tanzania, Nasty C, Busiswa and Mashayabhuqe from South Africa, to mention a few. Tikiwa added that the show would broadcast in more than 30 countries. “This season will broadcast in more than 30 countries across Africa and artists who will feature come from countries as diverse as Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Togo, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya, Mozambique and others,” he said.

Producers to be expected on the continental event include Sketchy Bongo from South Africa, Kiff No from Ivory Coast and Nahreel from Tanzania. African Business Unit and Coke Studio Africa project director, Monali Shah said that Coke studio aims to inspire and introduce Africa’s music talents to a new and wider audience through interaction, collaboration and cooperation amongst musical artists.

She said that this would also help to build a strong brand connection with Africa’s young and growing population. “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 is helping to 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.”