Spotify Amplifies Year-Round Black History Celebration with Black History Is Now: Phenomenal Black Music

Image Credit: Spotify

Announced today, this Black History Month, Spotify is amplifying their commitment to the elevation and support of Black voices in music, culture, and history with the evolution of Black History Is Now, Spotify’s hub that celebrates and amplifies the voices of Black artists, creators, and organizations year-round.

In 2020, we’re elevating and evolving the mission of Black History is Now to focus on the cultural impact that people of color have always played – all through the lens of music. Through a series of activations and experiences, Spotify is inspiring people to discover and celebrate Black music and artists who have and continue to define global culture.

Which is why this year, Black History is Now presents: Phenomenal Black Music, a celebration of the songs and women that have shaped the way music is made, experienced, and replicated across the world. In celebrating music and artists that define the Black experience, we’ve highlighted two pillars that represent the impact of Phenomenal Black Music:

Songs that define culture: Some songs have the power to define a moment in culture and by celebrating songs that define culture we will amplify music that teaches the world about Black love, vocalizes movements of protests, builds community, and creates timeless dances.
Black women who shaped music: Even in 2020, Black women in music don’t always get the seat they deserve at the table, but there is much to celebrate in the strides many phenomenal artists have made across genres in a male-dominated industry. Black women who shaped music will celebrate the women in the past and present who, through their music, have made us feel everything from joy and self-empowerment, to healing and love.

This is how we’re bringing Phenomenal Black Music to life this month and beyond:

Spotify’s Black History is Now hub with Phenomenal Black Music curated playlists
An exclusive merch collection in partnership with Black artists:
- Joe Freshgoods – Fashion designer known for his “Don’t Be Mad” clothing line became the driving force for Joe to open up his first brick and mortar Fat Tiger Workshop in 2014 in Chicago’s Logan Square, of which he is the co-owner. Since then, some of his biggest fans are Malia Obama, Chance the Rapper, and SZA.
- Jamilla Okubo – is a mixed-media artist. Her work has consistent themes that explore the intricacy of belonging to an American, Kenyan, and Trinidadian identity. She aims to use her interdisciplinary concentration as a medium to address topics within her culture. Rotating between collage, painting, fashion design, and screen printing her work is heavily inspired by the art of storytelling.
A two day immersive exhibit-style pop-up in NYC celebrating 32 phenomenal songs and women, with representation ranging across genres and generations—from Bob Marley and Mary J. Blige, to Lil Nas X and Lizzo. The exhibit will feature a look into the songs and artists with stories curated by music journalist Jewel Wicker, interactive elements curated by the Spotify creative team, surprise merch drops, and performances and panels throughout the weekend
- As part of the experience, Spotify partnered with Levi’s to build out a customization station. Guests can pick out patches designed by Joe Fresh and Jamilla Okuba and have them pressed onto Levi’s jackets.