Art and life imitate and inform each other. Life’s dynamic nature inspires varying forms of expression, and this element of variety is what unites these two phenomena. Life and art are also fueled by experiences, and going by their recent experience curation exploits, Spotify explores the relationship between music and other art forms as they exist within the context of African culture.

The recently concluded #SpotifyAmapianoTour in Johannesburg explored the relationship between music and travel through the fast-rising Amapiano genre. Spotify returned to Lagos with the Musical Art Showcase, juxtaposing music and visual art with the aim of marrying the two phenomena. Seven artists were enlisted to create paintings based on five different African playlists on Spotify, which are: Alter-NATIVE, Naija Bars, Naija Traffic Jams, Hot Hits Naija, and African Heat. The senses of smell and taste were not excluded from this experience, as the menu of the evening was curated according to the playlists as well.

 

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Red Door Gallery was the venue for the showcase. It was a cocktail event, and the dress code was specified to that effect, as guests and friends of Spotify stepped into the gallery looking dapper. The gallery, divided into different sections, was lit up with different colours that made the showcase a more immersive experience. Each section was dedicated to an artist, and the delegation beheld the art of Sotonye Jumbo, James Adebayo, Kenter Kachima, Chinaza Nkemka, Chijioke Anyacho, Abigail “Esoterica” Oghene, and Odinakachi Okoroafor. Their pieces cut across classic, contemporary, and postmodern art.

As for the edible art, the menu was created by Chef Benedict. The food looked great and tasted even better. Each food item on the menu was inspired by a song, and you could say that Spotify’s intentions were not only to visualize the sound but to make us taste it as well. Coupled with some champagne and an assortment of drinks mixed by the fine bartenders, it turned out to be a lovely evening that left our senses excited.