How African Musicians Can Land Playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Boomplay, and Audiomack

The music industry has shifted. Playlists on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Boomplay, and Audiomack are now the gatekeepers to global audiences. For African musicians, tapping into these playlists—especially those highlighting Afrobeat, Amapiano, or Highlife—can mean millions of streams and new fans worldwide. But how do you find the curators behind these playlists, pitch your music, and stand out? This guide dives into the process, offering actionable steps, contact strategies, and resources tailored for African artists. Let’s break it down.

Why Playlists Matter for African Musicians

Playlists are discovery hubs. Platforms use algorithms and human curators to place songs in front of listeners who might vibe with your sound. For African artists, playlists like Spotify’s African Heat or Boomplay’s Naija Hits are goldmines, exposing your music to local and global audiences. A single placement can skyrocket streams, lead to collaborations, or even catch the eye of labels. The challenge? Finding and pitching to the right curators without getting lost in the noise.

Step 1: Finding Playlist Curators

Each platform has its own ecosystem of curators—editorial (platform-run) and independent (music fans, bloggers, or influencers). Here’s how to track them down.

Spotify

• Editorial Curators: Spotify’s editorial team curates playlists like RapCaviar or Afro Hub. You can pitch directly through Spotify for Artists (free to set up). Go to the “Pitch a Song” section, select your track, and submit it at least seven days before release. No direct email needed here—just a polished artist profile.

• Independent Curators: Search for playlists on Spotify by genre or region (e.g., “Afrobeat 2025” or “Naija Vibes”). Check the playlist description for African Heat has over 2 million followers—perfect for pitching. To find curator contacts, try tools like PlaylistMap (playlistmap.com) or Artist.Tools, which offer databases of over 65,000 curators with emails and social media handles.

• Tip: Use Spotify’s search bar with terms like “@gmail.com” or “@hotmail.com” to find playlists with curator emails in the description.

• Contact Example: For playlists like IndieMusicMonday by DrownedinSound, submit via email (check their site for the latest address).

Apple Music

• Editorial Curators: Apple Music’s playlists, like A-List Afrobeats, are curated internally. External curators can apply via Playlist Creator (playlists.applemusic.com), but it’s tough for newbies. Instead, focus on pitching through aggregators like Afrisounds (afrisounds.co.uk), which connects artists to editorial teams.

• Independent Curators: Harder to find since Apple Music tightly controls curation. Check curator profiles on Soundplate (soundplate.com) or Indiemono (indiemono.com) for indie playlists open to submissions.

• Contact Example: Submit to Deep Root Records (electronic, pop) via their contact form: deeprootrecords.com/contact.

Deezer

• Editorial Curators: Deezer’s curation is geographically focused, with editors like Fabio (Brazil) or Emilia (Romania). Total playlists are around 15,000, with 1,100+ curators. Pitch through distributors like Ditto Music (dittomusic.com), which submits to Deezer’s team.

• Independent Curators: Sparse, but check Chartmetric (hmc.chartmetric.com) for Deezer-specific curator lists. Focus on genre-specific playlists like Afro Pop Hits.

• Contact Example: No direct emails for Deezer editors, but use Ditto’s submission portal: dittomusic.com/en/submit.

Boomplay

• Editorial Curators: Boomplay, with 42 million monthly users (85% African), curates playlists like Afrobeats Top 100. Submit via Fresible (fresible.com), which offers plans starting at ₦100,000 (~$60 USD) for playlist pitching. Song links must be sent before release, ideally on Fridays.

• Independent Curators: Limited, as Boomplay leans on editorial. Search for playlists on the app and check descriptions for curator socials (Instagram, Twitter).

• Contact Example: Email Fresible at support@fresible.com for pitching details.

Audiomack

• Editorial Curators: Audiomack’s playlists, like Afrobeats Fire, are curated by their content team. Pitch directly to contentops@audiomack.com. Avoid paying for placements, as it risks scams or platform bans.

• Independent Curators: Growing but less organized. Use Audiomack’s search for playlists like Naija Hits and check for curator Instagram or Twitter links in bios.

• Contact Example: Email contentops@audiomack.com with a streaming link and brief pitch.

Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Pitch

Curators get flooded with submissions, so your pitch needs to stand out. Here’s how to nail it:

• Research First: Listen to the playlist to ensure your track fits. A Highlife song won’t land on an Amapiano playlist. Mention specific tracks on their playlist that align with your vibe (e.g., “My song shares the upbeat energy of [Track X] on your Afro Vibes playlist”).

• Keep It Short: Aim for 100–150 words. Introduce yourself, highlight your genre (e.g., “I’m a Lagos-based Afrobeat artist”), and explain why your track fits. Include a streaming link (Spotify, Audiomack, etc.) and one or two career highlights (e.g., “Featured on BellaNaija”).

• Personalize: Address the curator by name if possible. Show you’ve done homework: “I love how your Naija Hits playlist blends new and classic Afrobeat.”

• Follow Guidelines: Some curators (e.g., Work Hard Playlist Hard) have specific forms or rules. Ignoring these kills your chances.

• Offer Value: Suggest promoting their playlist on your socials if your track is added. It’s a win-win.

• Avoid Red Flags: Never offer payment for placements—it violates Spotify and Audiomack policies and risks account bans.

Sample Pitch Email:

Subject: Afrobeat Submission for Naija Vibes Playlist

Hi [Curator Name],

I’m [Your Name], a Lagos-based Afrobeat artist with a new track, “[Song Name],” that I think fits your *Naija Vibes* playlist. Its vibrant drums and soulful hooks echo tracks like [Track X] on your list. My music’s been featured on BellaNaija and has 10k streams on Boomplay.

Here’s the link: [Insert Streaming Link]

I’d love to share your playlist with my 5k Instagram followers if selected. Let me know if you need more info!

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Instagram/Twitter Handle]

Step 3: Contacting Curators

Here’s where to reach out, platform by platform. Always double-check contact info, as it can change.

Spotify

• Editorial: Pitch via Spotify for Artists (spotifyforartists.com).

• Independent: Use tools like PlaylistMap ($69 lifetime access, playlistmap.com) or DropTrack (droptrack.com) for curator emails. Example: Submit to Rizing Playlists at rizingplaylists.com/submit.

• Socials: Search curator names on Instagram or Twitter. Swipe up on their stories for a warm intro instead of a cold DM.

Apple Music

• Editorial: Use aggregators like Afrisounds (afrisounds.co.uk/contact) to pitch to Apple’s team.

• Independent: Contact curators like Spingrey via Patreon (patreon.com/spingrey) or MySphera via paid plans (mysphera.co).

• Socials: Limited, but check curator Instagram bios for emails or forms.

Deezer

• Editorial: Submit via Ditto Music (dittomusic.com/en/submit) or Fresible (support@fresible.com).

• Independent: Rare, but search Deezer playlist descriptions for curator Twitter handles.

• Socials: Deezer editors like Fabio are active on Instagram—DM politely.

Boomplay

• Editorial: Email Fresible (support@fresible.com) with song links and release details.

• Independent: Check playlist bios on Boomplay for curator Instagram or email.

• Socials: Boomplay’s team is active on Twitter (@BoomplayMusicNG).

Audiomack

• Editorial: Email contentops@audiomack.com with a streaming link and pitch.

• Independent: Search playlists for curator socials (Instagram, Twitter).

• Socials: Audiomack’s content team engages on Twitter (@AudiomackAfrica).

Step 4: Tools and Resources

• PlaylistMap (playlistmap.com): 100,000+ Spotify curator contacts, updated daily.

• Artist.Tools (artist.tools): 65,000+ curator contacts, $15/month for full access.

• Chartmetric (hmc.chartmetric.com): Data on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer curators. Free tier available.

• Afrisounds (afrisounds.co.uk): Distributes to 100+ platforms, including Boomplay and Audiomack, with playlist pitching.

• Ditto Music (dittomusic.com): Submits to Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer editorial teams.

• TuneMyMusic (tunemymusic.com): Transfer playlists across platforms to analyze curators.

• Fresible (fresible.com): Boomplay and Spotify pitching, starting at ₦100,000.

Step 5: Tips for Success

• Polish Your Profile: Before pitching, optimize your artist profiles on each platform. Add a bio, high-quality photos, and social links. Spotify’s analytics can show your top tracks and markets—use this in pitches.

• Release Strategically: Drop tracks on Fridays for maximum playlist exposure, especially for Boomplay. Notify curators in advance.

• Follow Up: If no response after 7–10 days, send a polite follow-up email. One is enough—don’t spam.

• Avoid Scams: Steer clear of curators charging for placements. Spotify and Audiomack ban accounts for this.

• Leverage Socials: Build your Instagram and Twitter presence. Curators often check your following to gauge your reach.

• Track Results: Use platform analytics (e.g., Spotify for Artists, Boomplay’s dashboard) to see which playlists drive streams. Double down on similar curators.

Challenges and Real Talk

Finding curators isn’t easy. Editorial playlists are competitive, and independent curators vary in influence. Some platforms, like Apple Music, are tightly controlled, making indie outreach tougher. Plus, curators get hundreds of pitches daily—your email might get buried. Persistence is key. Start with smaller playlists (300–1,000 followers) to build momentum. I once pitched a track to a small Afrobeat playlist on Spotify, got added, and saw 2,000 streams in a week. It’s not African Heat, but it’s a start.

Data costs in Sub-Saharan Africa can also be a barrier. Platforms like Audiomack partner with telecoms (e.g., MTN Nigeria) for subsidized streaming bundles—use these to test playlists and save data.

Final Thoughts

Landing playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Boomplay, and Audiomack is a hustle, but it’s worth it. For African musicians, these platforms are breaking down barriers, putting your music in front of global listeners. Research curators, craft concise pitches, and use tools like PlaylistMap or Afrisounds to streamline the process. Start small, stay professional, and keep releasing quality music. Your next track could be the one that lands on Afrobeats Fire or Naija Hits, sparking your breakthrough.

Got questions or success stories? Drop them below—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating the playlist game!