Spotify is celebrating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day with ‘The Sounds of Nigeria’ campaign.

The campaign aims to honour the country’s rich musical heritage, which has long been a unifying force and a source of pride for Nigerians.

From Sunday, September 29th, to Thursday, October 3rd, music lovers could discover music destinations celebrating Nigerian independence within the Afro and Afrobeats hubs on Spotify.

This selection of destinations includes the Good Old Naija Days, Naija New School, Naija No Dey Carry Last, and the Sounds of Nigeria.

The Good Old Naija Days takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the classic hits defining Nigerian music over the years. This destination features timeless songs from legendary artistes that have shaped the nation’s musical landscape.

Naija No Dey Carry Last celebrates the resilience and spirit of Nigerian music. This destination showcases the songs that have inspired and uplifted the nation, reminding us of the power of music to unite and persevere. The Naija New School Naija spotlights the hottest new acts and cutting-edge sounds in Nigerian music, highlighting the artists and tracks driving the industry forward. The Sounds of Nigeria on the other hand celebrates the stories that shape our identity, highlighting Nigeria’s rich and diverse musical traditions.

“Nigerians have always had a deep love for music, and their resilient spirit shines through in the global success of Nigerian artists. Spotify is honoured to celebrate a nation that continues to make Africa proud, amplifying the sounds and stories that resonate far beyond its borders” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa.

To enrich the campaign experience further, Spotify is collaborating with renowned content creator and DJ Justin UG to take over the Internet Famous playlist. Justin UG, known for his creative content, love of Nigerian music and culture, will introduce a wider audience to new sounds and perspectives.

In addition to the curated destinations and takeover, Spotify will introduce two new playlists: Naija Gospel Throwback and Nigerian Highlife. Naija Gospel Throwback celebrates the history of Nigerian gospel music with classic anthems, while Nigerian Highlife showcases the vibrant and upbeat genre with its infectious rhythms and catchy melodies.

Yomi Fabiyi, the actor, has revealed that he fled Nigeria due to an alleged assassination attempt over his involvement in the case of the late singer Mohbad.

Fabiyi has been leading protests demanding justice for Mohbad who died under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023.

In an Instagram post, Fabiyi said he had reported the matter to the appropriate authority, adding that he would not stop demanding justice for the singer.

“I had to jump on the next available flight because I have been marked for assassination. For the first time in my life, I know they are going to take my life,” he said.

“I have given everything I have to the police. I just want to beg that nothing must happen to the sources I have mentioned.

“The CCTV must be investigated, phone forensic is a must. It is not that I do not want to be killed if it is I will not run for anything.

“But because I know if they take my life, it will cause a serious distraction and stop the case. So Nigerians, I do not know where I am going from here but I am 80% safe.”

In another now-viral video, Fabiyi disclosed that he escaped an assassination attempt a few days ago.

“I escaped the assassination two days ago. They wanted to get me at the protest to kill me tonight,” he added.

“If they had killed me tonight, they would have buried me tomorrow. They will just kill me mercilessly because I’m fighting for justice.

“I did not collect money from anyone. I am just doing my own. I can not use my body as experiment that is why I ran for my life.”

Davido, the Afrobeats star, has opened up about coping with loss and finding strength.

Reflecting on losing loved ones, including his mother Veronica at age 11 in a recent interview with Mystery Fashioniest, the 31-year-old Grammy-nominated singer credited his strength to faith.

“I have lost a lot of people. I lost my mum at eleven. I am just being strong. I did a song called ‘Stand Strong’,” he said.

“I feel like strength and obviously, my faith.”

On his personal life, Davido said growing up in a large family has shaped his connection with the public.

The music star, however, added that some people misjudge him as being “too accessible” or “unapproachable”.

“I think sometimes, people think I am not approachable. Another misconception is that people also think I am too accessible,” he said.

“I grew up in a big family, I’m used to having people around me. My talent and success is God-given.”

Davido lost his mum in March 2003. She passed away at age 39. In 2017, Tagbo Umeike, his friend, died from excessive consumption of alcohol.

Ogbeide Tijani Olamilekan, Davido’s bodyguard of 11 years, also passed on in 2020 after battling an undisclosed illness.

In October 2022, Davido lost Ifeanyi, his son with his wife Chioma Rowland. Last year, the singer shared his grief following his son’s demise.

“I miss him every day, there’s tears coming out of my eyes every morning, you don’t have to see it,” he had said.

“I look at myself in the mirror and I said apart from it just being about me, I know how many people love me, I know how many people are depending on me.

“My son up there is looking down at me. Apart from me being strong for his mom, which is my primary responsibility, I have to be strong for the world.”