Spotify has unveiled Afrobeats: Culture in Motion, a new cultural documentary that traces the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats across continents — from the vibrant streets of Lagos to the barrios of Bogotá. The film is a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and the shared heartbeat of Africa and Latin America.
More than just a music documentary, Culture in Motion offers an intimate look at how Afrobeats has become one of the most dynamic cultural exports of the 21st century. Through candid portraits of Nigerian talents and Colombian artists newly fluent in the genre, the film reveals how a sound born in West Africa is finding new life across the Atlantic.
The narrative unfolds in studios and street parties, where pidgin hooks collide with barrio cadences, Yoruba drum patterns weave into salsa riffs, and a new generation experiments boldly without losing its roots. The result is unapologetically global yet unmistakably local — proof that culture, when in motion, builds bridges rather than borders.
“Afrobeats is not just music, it’s a movement,” the film proclaims. It highlights how the genre’s infectious energy has transformed dance floors worldwide, while carrying with it elements of spirituality, slang, and West African storytelling traditions.
For Spotify, Culture in Motion is also a strategic statement: Afrobeats isn’t a passing trend, it’s the future of global sound. By showcasing this cultural exchange with Latin America, the platform underscores its role in fueling cross-border discovery and amplifying diverse voices.
As Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts and playlists, Culture in Motion offers a timely reminder that the genre’s essence lies in its ability to connect — whether in Lagos, Bogotá, or beyond. It’s not just music crossing oceans; it’s heritage remixing itself into tomorrow.
