Spotify Unveils Class of 4-3-3: A Bold Yearbook Tribute to FC Barcelona, the Fusion of Football and Fashion, and the Sounds of the Continent
Spotify presents Class of 4-3-3, a yearbook-style showcase photographed by Pieter Hugo celebrating the symbiosis with FC Barcelona, told through new African sounds, and the
convergence of football and style.
Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with FC Barcelona, Spotify brings the worlds of music and sport together for fans around the globe to enjoy. From special matchday shirts featuring logos from Latin music’s most-streamed female artist KAROL G, to artist takeovers at Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona’s iconic stadium. Spotify gives artists a global stage to showcase their talents like never before.
“Music, like football, is a universal language that bridges diverse communities, oOering a soundtrack to the collective experiences of fans and players alike. Just as a memorable football match can evoke deep emotions and a sense of belonging, so can a compelling musical composition or performance.”
says Kevin Seturumade, Consumer Marketing Manager at SpotifySouth Africa
Now, Spotify turns the spotlight onto South African musical talents and sub-genres, illustrating how football and music unite diverse communities. Emerging artists are among the most innovative, and the Class of 4-3-3 campaign sees Spotify harness this energy to showcase the power of relentless creativity
and passion. The artist lineup includes Ziggy 4X, K.Keed, Filah Lah Lah, Internet Girl, DJ DOOWAP, Desire Marea, LookatUp, and General C’mamane,
“The South African music landscape is in a really interesting place. We are seeing these emerging artists push the boundaries sonically in a space that wouldn’t be considered commercial. They are experimenting with melodies to capture the essence and energy of South Africa while still appealing to a global audience.”
shares Seturumane
The 2024 Class of 4-3-3 dynamic music evolution parallels FC Barcelona’s “SCHOOL FOR LIFE” philosophy, where the focus is not only on attracting the best talent but also on nurturing and developing it through their academy La Masia.
“Just as these emerging South African artists are honing their craft and pushing creative boundaries, FC Barcelona invests in cultivating young talent, emphasising growth and potential over immediate commercial success. Both scenarios highlight a commitment to innovation and long-term development, whether in music or sports, creating a platform where future stars can thrive and make a significant impact,”.
says Seturumane
By partnering with boundary-pushing artists and innovators, Spotify cements its reputation as the prime destination for discovering and sharing the newest sounds.
“Innovation means creating a tapestry using
saysDesire, who describes his music as
threads from all your influences to create a new image that is reflective of your point of view, “
“Precious Metal”, a subgenre of avant-garde core music from Africa.
“There are no limitations anymore. With the
Reflecting on progression in the space, artist KEED says,
evolution of technology and access to diOerent platforms, artists can now take charge of their careers making it easier to promote their music, collaborate with other artists, and essentially generate revenue for themselves in real-time.”
In Africa, the intertwining of football, music, and fashion, crafts a vibrant, everyday narrative.
“Soccer played a big role in our community,”.
says drill artist Ziggy 4X. Recognising this, Spotify uses the FC Barcelona football jersey as a connector to establish its commitment to the discovery of new talent in arich African landscape
“Football is a universal sport that unites people from all walks of life. The football jersey is an extension of that, signifying joy, sportsmanship, solidarity, and harmony.”
says open-format DJ, DJ DOOWAP
The Class of 4-3-3 campaign honours the distinct voices and shared spirit defining South Africa’s vibrant music scene.
“As a South African, it’s not diOicult to see football’s cultural influence and relevance in our
says alternative R&B artist Filah Lah Lah
country. Football has a way of bringing us together and I feel a jersey has the power to ionize an era and to establish a common identity while embracing a person’s aesthetic.”
Want more? Check out the campaign playlist titled Barca African Connect for genre-blending sounds that celebrate the artists of the inaugural Class of 4-3-3.
Follow @spotifyafrica to join the conversation.
