…Over 150 African artists join forces to blend rhythm with conservation across the continent
By HeapNews
A landmark fusion of African music and wildlife conservation has hit the airwaves with the launch of “Music for Wildlife”, a first-of-its-kind concert series airing across Trace Global Network’s TV channels and streaming platforms.
The series, produced by conservation NGO Wild Africa in partnership with immersive storytelling platform OAS1SONE, brings together over 150 top African musicians in a powerful cultural call to protect the continent’s wildlife and natural heritage.
“This is not just a concert series, it’s a bold and timely effort to raise awareness on the urgent threats facing Africa’s wildlife, from habitat loss to climate change,” said Mr. Festus Iyorah, Nigeria Representative for Wild Africa, in a statement.
Supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the initiative creatively harnesses Africa’s vibrant music scene to reconnect people with nature and inspire action. Each 24-minute weekly episode combines high-energy performances with striking wildlife visuals and messages of environmental stewardship.
“Africa is home to a quarter of the world’s biodiversity, yet wildlife populations have declined by 76 per cent in the last 50 years,” Iyorah noted, citing the 2024 WWF Living Planet Index. “Through culture and music, we aim to change that narrative.”
Featured artists include global names like CKay, Focalistic, Musa Keys, Kamo Mphela, Vinka, Feli Nandi, Shekhinah, Azawi, Joyous Celebration, and Zakes Bantwini, all performing with a purpose.
“We Nigerians love our music and culture, but where is the love for our wildlife?” asked Afrobeats star CKay. “Let’s give our wildlife some space and some love.”
Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Trace Group, echoed the sentiment: “African artists are powerful voices. Trace is proud to open its global network to Music for Wildlife, a series that reflects our commitment to purpose-driven content.”
Peter Knights OBE, CEO of Wild Africa, emphasized the crucial role of youth: “Trace speaks to the youth, the future of Africa. Their passion will be vital in conserving our wildlife and the ecosystems that sustain human life.”
“Artists are volunteering their talent from cities like Cape Town, Lagos, Harare, and Windhoek,” he added, “using music to advocate against wildlife threats and promote conservation’s benefits, like tourism and job creation.”
Amapiano star Focalistic highlighted that connection: “Wildlife and national parks create jobs and attract global tourists. Let’s use music and art to protect what’s ours.”
Jandre Louw, CEO of OAS1SONE, praised the collaboration’s impact: “This partnership amplifies African voices for conservation while elevating African music to millions worldwide.”
Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW, called the project timely and urgent: “Art and music help us celebrate biodiversity and highlight its vulnerability. This aligns perfectly with our vision of a world where animals and people thrive together.”
“Music for Wildlife” began airing weekly from July 2025 and is expected to spark cross-generational conversations around conservation, identity, and sustainability, through the universal language of music.