NAIROBI, Sept 15 — Nigerian highlife singer Flavour is in Kenya for the filming of Season Two of Coke Studio Africa.

Billed as the continent's biggest music show to date, it brings together musicians from across Africa to perform in front of a live audience — and to millions on TV screens across the continent.

Though famous for his songs in the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria, Flavour says his music cuts across borders.

This pan-African initiative launched last October, bringing together leading musicians from varied traditions and styles. In Season 1 West African artists like Malian-born Salif Keita and Nigerian King Sunny Ade collaborated with Tanzania's Lady Jaydee and Kenya's Just a Band.

Though famous for his songs in the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria, Flavour says his music cuts across borders. — Reuters pic
Though famous for his songs in the Igbo language of southeastern Nigeria, Flavour says his music cuts across borders. — Reuters pic

Soft drink giant Coca-Cola has poured millions of dollars into the show - an investment they say will pay dividends by breaking down stereotypes and encouraging African artists to work together.

Since launching in Brazil in 2007, Coke Studio also produces music shows in Pakistan, India and the Middle East.

In Season Two, the show’s artists are fusing traditional music with electronic, rock and Kenyan benga, creating a unique blend that Cameroonian artist Frank Biyong hopes will push the African sound beyond the confining label of world music.

By bringing artists from across the continent together, Coke Studio hopes to get Africa rocking to a whole new beat. — AFP-Relaxnews