Coke Studio, has merged its two flagship shows Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa into one, bigger, better Coke Studio Africa 2017.

The merger increases the number of participating countries to 16, up from 11 in previous edition. This season will broadcastin more than 30 countries across Africa.The production now includes artists from Uganda,South Africa, Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Togo, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon. The last edition featured Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, & Togo whilst South Africa had its own production.

“Coke Studio Africa showcases Africa’s incredible music by combining different artists and genres to inspire a new generation of African music fans. With the expanded show, we aim to bring the continent alive through a fusion of music and culture that celebrates our diversity,” said Monali Shah, the Senior Content Excellence Manager.

“Music is the heartbeat and the soul of many diverse communities throughout Africa. From Bongo, to Kwaito, to Lingala and other genres across Africa,Coke Studio Africa is helping introduce these different musical styles to new communities for the first time, while maintaining a long tradition of Coca-Cola’s use of music to build its brands,” she continued.

Likethe previous editions, Coke Studio aims to inspire and introduce Africa’s music talents to a new and wider audience through interaction, collaboration and cooperation amongst musical artists while also building a strong brand connection with Africa’s young and growing population.  Africa is full of great music talent in communities, cities and countries, and Coke Studio Africa can give these artists wider exposure, while enabling greater interaction, collaboration and cooperation to create inspirational new sounds

Some of the renowned names this season include; Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo, Sheebah and Ykee Benda representing Uganda, Khaligraph Jones & Band Becca from Kenya, Rayvanny, IzzoBizness and Nandy from Tanzania, Sami Dan from Ethiopia, Nasty C, Busiswa, Mashayabhuqe from South Africa, Youssoupha from Democratic Republic of Congo along with Runtown and Yemi Alade from Nigeria.

Adding to the list are Dji Tafinha from Angola, Laura Beg from Mauritius, Jah Prayzah and Slapdee from Central Africa Republic, BisaKdei and Worlasi from Ghana, Betty G from Ethiopia, Bruce Melodie, Shellsy Baronet & Mr. Bow from Mozambique, Denise from Madagascar, Ozane from Togo and Freeda from Namibia.

Key names in this year’s production are reputable producers such as Yuvir Pillay Nivedana a.k.a Sketchy Bongo from South Africa, Kiff No beat from Ivory Coast, Nahreel from Tanzania amongst others.

“Music has always been the heartbeat and soul of Africa, but the Internet, social media and creativity is taking artists from their communities and cities and allowing them to reach an audience across the continent which is being supported through initiatives such as Coke Studio Africa,” commented Mr. Rodney Nzioka, the Coca-Cola Uganda Franchise Brand Manager.

Coke Studio Africa 2017 is expected to air from August in South and Central Africa markets and from September on wards in East and West Africa.