Carry1st, Africa’s leading games publisher, has announced a partnership with Spotify as the official music sponsor for the 2025 Carry1st Africa Cup – the continent’s largest Call of Duty®: Mobile (CODM) tournament and the official qualifier for the CODM World Championship 2025.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 grand finals will feature eight of the strongest Call of Duty: Mobile teams from across the continent, ushering in an exciting new chapter for African esports. The champions of the Carry1st Africa Cup will then advance to represent Africa for the first time at the Call of Duty®: Mobile World Championship 2025, vying for a share of a $1 million global prize pool.
The grand finals weekend will electrify Lagos, Nigeria, from August 30-31, with elite teams battling for bragging rights and the $15,000 prize pool. This tournament finale promises an unparalleled fusion of competitive gaming and vibrant music, guaranteeing an exhilarating experience for both players and fans alike.
“The Carry1st Africa Cup is about a celebration of African youth, talent, and creativity,” said Guillaume Noé, VP of Growth Platform at Carry1st. “Partnering with Spotify allows us to take this to the next level, uniting music and gaming to give fans an unforgettable experience at the Grand Finals.”
As the official music sponsor, Spotify will enhance the fan and player experience throughout the Lagos grand finals. The event will feature live performances from artists and DJs, creating memorable musical moments and fostering a true festival atmosphere across both days. Attendees at the event can also immerse themselves in the Spotify Fan Zone, complete with a music lounge, interactive activities, convenient phone charging stations, and exclusive Spotify giveaways.
Spotify will also launch the Carry1st Africa Cup official playlist, a unique compilation blending the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats, Afro-gaming tracks, and top hits from across Africa. Fans will have the chance to vote on the final tracklist launched during the Nigeria regional finals on social media, with the playlist going live on August 3, 2025. Its full reveal will follow in the week of August 11, 2025, across Carry1st and Spotify’s social channels.
Sithabile Kachisa, Spotify’s Associate Director, Marketing, Sub-Saharan Africa added, “Spotify is thrilled to partner with Carry1st to bring the power of music to the biggest mobile gaming tournament on the continent. Together, we’re creating a space where African gamers and artists can shine on a global stage.”
Fans across the continent can track the final regional battles live on Carry1st’s YouTube Channel, with the Kenya finals on July 20 and the Nigeria finals on August 31.
This collaboration underscores the potent synergy between music and gaming, both pivotal cultural pillars for African youth. Together, Carry1st and Spotify aim to champion the continent’s immense talent and creativity, providing a global stage for players and fans to shine.
