Spotify has unveiled a new playlist — “NXT —Ones to Watch 2026″—spotlighting 50 emerging artistes from Sub-Saharan Africa. She said this year’s edition goes further, offering deeper insight into 10 breakout artistes from Nigeria, Ghana, East Africa and South Africa. Okumu said rather than chasing instant hits, the NXT playlist captures artistes in an in-between moment — not yet mainstream but clearly on the move. Ghana’s NXT artistes are also seeing sustained growth. “The NXT playlist exists to recognise that moment of momentum, when an artist is no longer emerging on potential, but on connection,” Okumu said.