Three days after its vibrant launch, Spotify’s “Greasy Tunes Café” pop-up in Lagos is solidifying its position as a major cultural hub, successfully blending the dynamic energy of Afrobeats with the rich flavours of Nigerian cuisine.
The three-week experiential event, which officially opened on Tuesday, September 30th, is an immersive response to data showing that for Nigerian Gen Z, food and music are two core pillars of daily life. The café, located at Fired & Iced in Lekki Phase 1, allows customers to order authentic Nigerian dishes and instantly receive a personalised Spotify playlist or podcast, curated in real-time based on their meal selection.
A Seamless Fusion of Tastes and Sounds
Since the Tuesday launch, which featured executives like Bea Theron, Spotify’s Experiential Marketing Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, the venue has consistently drawn large crowds. Early reports indicate that the real-time playlist curation has been a major hit, offering a novel way for attendees to discover new music while celebrating local culture.
Bea Theron highlighted the initiative’s core mission: “The Greasy Tunes Café is our future-facing model, blending the force of Afrobeats with the authenticity of local cuisine. This is a strategic move to establish the new cultural future of Lagos.”
Talent Spotlight and Educational Focus
Beyond the culinary-musical pairing, the café is already functioning as a critical launchpad for local talent and a centre for cultural education.
The launch event set a high bar, featuring insightful “fryer-side” chats with Afrobeats artist Fola and South African Spotify RADAR artist Thakzin. These intimate discussions, anchored on themes of dedication and authenticity, have been a clear crowd-puller, offering fans a rare glimpse into the creative journeys of their favourite stars.
Victor Okpala, Artist and Label Partnership Manager for West Africa at Spotify, confirmed the café’s educational commitment, announcing a schedule of events including a documentary screening on Afro-Nigerian Afro-funk and the Eyo masquerade, slated for October 11th. He also noted that the programme would continue to spotlight a diverse range of emerging artists, including Adekunle Gold, in the coming weeks.
With DJ sets keeping the energy high and a consistent stream of attendees sampling local food and drinks, the “Greasy Tunes Café” is not just a temporary event, but an early success story in Spotify’s strategy to deepen engagement with Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy. The next two and a half weeks promise more conversation, music, and food as the pop-up continues its celebration of Nigerian culture.
What to Look Out For: The Remaining Days
With the pop-up running until October 19th, the remaining schedule is packed with high-profile artists, educational moments, and a foray into the intersection of music and fashion, underscoring the event’s commitment to the entire Nigerian creative ecosystem.
1. Star-Studded Fryer-Side Chats
Following the successful launch chat with Fola and Thakzin, the café is set to host more intimate “fryer-side” (fireside) conversations with established Nigerian heavyweights. Fans can look forward to hearing from voices that have shaped the Afrobeats movement and continue to push its global reach:
- Made Kuti: The renowned Afrobeats musician and grandson of Fela Kuti.
- Spinall: One of Nigeria’s most globally recognised DJs and producers.
- Vector: A prominent and influential figure in Nigerian hip-hop and rap.
2. Afrobeats Culture Meets High Fashion
A major highlight in the coming days is a collaboration with Nigerian fashion powerhouse Severe Nature to showcase the “Afrobeats Culture in Motion.” This partnership goes beyond music, presenting a “wearable dimension” of the genre. Attendees can expect:
- Capsule Collections: Showcasing the work of four Nigerian designers—Móye Africa, I.N. Official, KADIJU, and Pièce Et Patch—who are translating the pulse of Afrobeats into modern, high-concept fashion.
- Cultural Statement: This event amplifies Lagos as the epicentre where sound and style are inextricably linked, demonstrating the global cultural influence of the Afrobeats movement.
3. Education and Cultural Immersion
The Greasy Tunes Café is also cementing its role as a cultural learning centre. A key date on the calendar for those interested in Nigeria’s rich musical lineage is:
- October 11th Documentary Screening: A special screening dedicated to Afro-Nigerian Afro-funk and the Eyo masquerade, reinforcing Spotify’s commitment to Nigeria’s deep cultural and musical heritage.
4. Emerging Talent Spotlight
The event will continue to serve as a launchpad for the next generation of stars. Industry insiders and fans are anticipating the scheduled appearances of diverse emerging artists, including the globally recognised musician, Adekunle Gold, who is expected to perform or participate in an activity as part of the overall programme.
With daily DJ sets, exclusive merchandise, and a continuous celebration of local cuisine, the Greasy Tunes Café promises to keep the energy high as it attempts to solidify Lagos’ reputation as a global creative powerhouse.
