OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

For Spotify’s Phiona Okumu, Success Starts with Listening First

Five years after joining Spotify, Phiona Okumu reflects on her path to becoming Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. She talks to OkayAfrica about her career journey and how she has worked to amplify local music scenes across the continent.

Paula Adhis

April 20, 2026

OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

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OkayAfrica: Premier Digital Platform for African News, Music & Culture

FEATURED STORY

For Spotify’s Phiona Okumu, Success Starts with Listening First

RECENT STORIES

Today in Africa — April 20, 2026: Nigeria Bans Personal Opinions on TV & Radio Ahead of Elections, Madagascar Arrests Fuel Fears of Renewed Crackdown

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MUSIC STORIES

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How Msaki and Jesse Clegg Found Trust in the Middle of Grief

EXCLUSIVE: Mr Eazi and King Promise Live Out Their Boy Band Fantasy

This Artist Waited Years for a Breakout. Then AI Gave Him a Hit.

Fela Kuti to Get Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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The Herd: Netflix’s Successful Crime Thriller About Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis

What to Watch in Africa This September: Fantasy Comedies, Crime Documentaries, and Stirring Dramas

How Nollywood Actress Ashionye Raccah Got to Star in the Second Season of ‘Wednesday’ Alongside Jenna Ortega

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