EMPIRE Africa has released “Where We Come From Vol. 2: Soundscapes”, a bold producer-led instrumental project that places Africa’s producers at the center of the global sound. More than an album, the project is a sound map of the continent, tracing rhythms, textures, and stories from diverse regions while honoring the producers who shape music worldwide. 

The compilation features the following producers: Kukbeatz (Nigeria), Kooldrink (Zimbabwe), Dunnie (Nigeria), BlaiseBeatz (Nigeria), Danny Hajj (Lebanon), Niphkeys (Nigeria), Xivo (South Africa), and Habibeats (Palestine). Together, they deliver a genre-bending celebration of roots and experimentation, elevating the producer’s role as the architect of sound. 

“This project was inspired by the idea that Africa is more than just Afrobeats and Amapiano,” said Ezegozie Eze, EMPIRE’s Vice President of Strategy & Market Development. “Soundscapes lets producers lead the story, showcasing the depth, diversity, and creativity that is defining the global sound.” 

Coinciding with the release, EMPIRE has announced the launch of its publishing front, EMPIRE Publishing Africa, a platform dedicated to spotlighting Africa’s best producers and songwriters. 

Munyaradzi Chanetsa, Managing Director of Publishing in Africa, described the move by saying, “Soundscapes is more than a record; it is a project to spotlight Africa’s top producers. At EMPIRE Publishing, we represent the very best, and this is our invitation to the world: if you want to engage with Africa’s finest talent, come through to EMPIRE. With phase two, we aim to spark real collaborations and unearth even more creators to stand alongside our roster.” 

EMPIRE’s wider roster includes some of the most influential talents shaping today’s music. Jazzworx of Lesotho and Thukutela of South Africa are driving the 3-step sound with multiple simultaneous Top 10 hits. Nigerian hitmaker Ragee is the producer behind Davido’s Grammy-nominated “Unavailable” and Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body”. Asake, also from Nigeria, is recognized as both an artiste and songwriter whose pen and melodies have redefined Afrobeats, carrying him to Grammy acclaim. Tanzania’s Yogo Beats continues to shape the East African sound through Bongo Flava and hip-hop, while Moroccan producer Leil fuses Arabic, French, and English influences into Afro-fusion, pushing North Africa’s sound onto the global stage. 

To celebrate the release, EMPIRE is launching an open verse competition, inviting emerging producers and artistes to engage directly with “Where We Come From Vol. 2”. Registration for the competition is now open at www.wherewecomefrom.africa. Winning entries will be amplified across EMPIRE’s channels, ensuring participants gain exposure alongside some of Africa’s finest talent.   

Through “Where We Come From Vol. 2: Soundscapes,” EMPIRE reinforces its mission to champion diverse sounds, foster collaboration, discover underground talent, and spotlight the producers who are redefining African music for a global audience. 

Listen to “Where We Come From Vol. 2: Soundscapes” HERE.