Tag: radar global

RADAR Global Artist Rhove Delivers His Positive and Passionate Hip-Hop Sound to the World Stage

December 14, 2022

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR has served as Spotify’s program to showcase emerging artists from all around the world, supporting them and taking their talents to the global musical stage. Now RADAR Global turns the spotlight toward Italian hip-hop artist Rhove.

Having started rapping from an early age in social centers and discos, Rhove—whose stage name is a portmanteau of his surname, “Roveda,” and his home of Rho, Milan, in Italy—very quickly attracted attention with his distinctive personality and musical style. In 2020 he took to recording and self-released his first single, “Blanc Orange (Nanana),” followed by “Provincia,” “Corso Europa” with Madfingerz, “Montpellier,” “La zone,” and “Jungle.”

It was with the 2021 release of “Shakerando,” however, that Rhove started seeing overwhelming critical success on the national level, reaching number one on Italy’s charts. And it remains his top song on Spotify, with over 95 million streams and growing.

Rhove's streaming data based on top markets and unique cities

Taking his influences from international artists like Morad and French performers such as Stromae and JUL (with whom he collaborated on a song for the French rapper’s new album), Rhove integrates French urban sounds with Italian influence into his music. His ongoing goal is to create music that transmits positive and encouraging messages and highlights the importance of humility, passion, and dedication. Nowhere is this more evident than in his debut album, PROVINCIALE, released this year, and in the new Spotify RADAR mini-documentary about him.

Give a listen to Rhove’s tracks along with the rest of the best of our emerging artists on the RADAR Global playlist:

RADAR Global Artist Ayra Starr Is Ready To Bring Her Fierce Yet Soothing Brand of Afrosoul to the World

September 15, 2022

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR has served as Spotify’s program to showcase emerging artists from all around the world, supporting them and taking their talents to the global musical stage. Now RADAR Global has returned with our latest featured artist, Afrosoul sensation Ayra Starr.

Born in Benin, in West Africa, Ayra was raised between its beach city, Cotonou, and the cultural hub of Lagos, Nigeria. The self-proclaimed celestial being says it’s this mix of cultures that inspires her global approach to music, art, and life. It also helped that she grew up with a music-loving family and began cowriting music with her brother Dami at the age of 10.

Ayra announced herself to the world in 2021 with her self-titled five-track EP, Ayra Starr, which featured the breakout single “Away.” Soon after, her critically acclaimed debut studio album 19 & Dangerous was released. Its lead single, “Bloody Samaritan,” has been streamed more than 30 million times on Spotify to date. 

But the success didn’t stop there. This year, the young artist has reached international audiences by collaborating with Skip Marley on his single “Jane,” as well as Manny Norté, Stalk Ashley, and Tiana Major9 on “Worth My While.”

And for all her hard work, Ayra is now enjoying the recognition that follows: She’s the second-most-nominated artist at the Headies Awards, Africa’s premier music awards, and has a 2022 BET Award nomination for Best New International Act under her belt.

For the Record sat down with Ayra to talk about music, her family, and more.

What are you looking forward to most as Spotify’s latest RADAR artist?

I am really looking forward to being discovered by new people who will find different meanings in my songs. You know, different people need different things at different times of their life, and that’s what music does—it helps fans connect on a deeper level. As an artist, it’s such a surreal feeling to know that there are people out there discovering my music and relating to my lyrics. It’s so beautiful. With RADAR, I am excited for my music to reach new audiences and to be shared on a global platform.

For new fans, how would you describe your sound?

I’d describe it as soothing but fierce yet soulful.

Who have been some of your biggest musical inspirations?

Rihanna, Lijadu Sisters, 2Baba, Nicki Minaj, and a host of others.

You have a pretty musically inclined family. How have they influenced your career?

Oh, in almost every aspect. Having a family with a musical background gave me the confidence to soar and discover my love for the art of music. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams and helped me to navigate my career early on.

Growing up between Benin and Nigeria must have brought with it some vastly different experiences from a cultural and personal standpoint. How has that played a role in your music?

There’s nothing better than having a broad perspective when making music. Coming from a family that’s deeply rooted in different cultures gave me the opportunity to view the world through more than one lens and contributed to my sound.

What message do you want listeners to take away from your music?

I think my music conveys the fact that I am not scared to spread my wings wide, and I would love for listeners to feel like that too. Bet on yourself and never back down. Keep going.

Do you have any advice for other emerging artists?

Know who you are, know your worth, and do you respectfully but unapologetically.

Check out Ayra Starr along with other emerging international talent on the RADAR Global playlist.

RADAR Global Is Back With the Reggaeton Sounds of Spain’s Quevedo

June 28, 2022

photo of quevedo

Since its launch in 2020, RADAR has served as Spotify’s marquee program for emerging artists around the world, helping to support and propel artists onto the global music stage. And now, RADAR Global is back with our latest featured artist, the up-and-coming reggaeton star Quevedo.

Hailing from Gran Canaria, Spain, the 21-year-old singer burst onto the scene in 2020 with his single “En Reformas.” His sound—a mix of hip-hop and Latin rhythms inspired by his upbringing in the Canary Islands—resonated with fans across the world, and he has since reached over 9.7M monthly listeners on Spotify. His single “Cayó la noche (Remix)” was a breakthrough hit, transforming Quevedo from an underground artist into the spotlight – reaching #1 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Spain Chart. Quevedo has also popped up on numerous Spotify charts, reaching #19 on Viral 50 ⁠— Global and #2 on Viral 50 ⁠— Spain.

“Quevedo’s growth has been breathtaking to watch in this very short period of time, and we love how it stems from a wonderful mix of talent, intuition, and breadth of musical influences,” said Melanie Parejo, Head of Music, Southern Europe at Spotify. “We’re thrilled that Quevedo is part of the new slate of RADAR artists and truly proud that he has been chosen to be in our RADAR Global artist program.”

Quevedo’s momentum has only continued in 2022; he’s racked up millions of streams with his singles “Respuesta Cero” and “Nonstop” and collaborated with the Argentinian hitmaker Duki on “Si Quieren Frontear.” But Quevedo really took the next step in his career this past May when he landed a spot on the remix of “2step” by Ed Sheeran. 

Now, we’re thrilled to continue our support of Quevedo with his newly minted role as a featured global RADAR artist. Not only will he be featured on the RADAR Global playlist, but also in a short mini-documentary in partnership with Spotify. The mini-doc, which takes place in his hometown, gives fans a glimpse into his roots and musical journey. As a RADAR artist, Quevedo worked with Spotify on a custom photoshoot in the Canary Islands, establishing a new set of bespoke images that will be used throughout the duration of the campaign, across marketing materials, including a Times Square billboard in New York City. Quevedo will also receive promotion around key music releases, a feature in Spotify’s RADAR recurring Rolling Stone Series, and an opportunity to participate in Fans First opportunities including ticket presales and merchandise offers throughout the duration of the partnership.   

“I couldn’t be happier to be the new Spotify RADAR artist,” Quevedo told For the Record. “It means so much to be able to share my music with new fans all over the world and I want to thank everyone who made this possible. From Gran Canaria to the world.”

Quevedo has accomplished a lot in a relatively short period of time, but stay tuned because he’s just getting started. And to discover more about the next wave of artists primed for stardom around the world, be sure to keep an eye on Spotify’s RADAR Global program in the future.

Check out the latest music from Quevedo and start streaming his latest single, “Nonstop,” below.