Life itself is a vibrant mixtape, where every moment, especially those involving good food, deserves an epic soundtrack, transforming ordinary meals into full-sensory experiences.

Music is the secret ingredient that elevates every meal, setting the rhythm for how we eat, live, and vibe, whether it’s the gentle tunes accompanying our morning toast or the energetic beats fueling lunchtime gatherings.

For Gen Z, this connection between food and music is particularly potent.

Turning this theory into a delicious reality is the recent Dirty Buns and Spotify pop-up in Lagos, resulting in a full-blown cultural moment.

For four days, food lovers flocked to savour Dirty Buns’ legendary creations.

While it was about satisfying cravings, with Spotify curating the sonic backdrop, the mealtime experience became a curated journey.

Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, remarked: “Food and music have always been hand in hand, and it’s nice to see young Nigerians actively soundtracking their mealtimes.”

“Spotify is thrilled to power these experiences, especially at the vibrant intersection where food, culture, and sound meet.”

From morning meditations to midnight meals
Spotify data reveals a fascinating daily rhythm. In the quiet hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., while breakfast cooks and coffee brews, the most distinctive genre among Gen Z is gospel, providing a peaceful start to their day and meals. But when noon comes and it’s time for lunch, the music changes as Afropop takes over—bright, lively, and full of energy. That energetic feeling stays through dinner, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with Afropop still leading as the favourite, creating a backdrop for fun talks and late-night snacks.

And who reigns supreme as the ultimate mealtime king? None other than the iconic David Adeleke, aka Davido. Spotify data reveals that he is the most-streamed artiste by Gen Z from 10 a.m. onwards.

As breakfast is served and the day gently awakens, Davido’s infectious tunes are already being streamed. As lunchtime rolls around, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the energy might shift, but the artiste remains the same. It’s still Davido setting the vibe.

And even as the sun dips and dinner graces the table, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Gen Z keeps him in heavy rotation. Whether it’s the comforting taste of jollof or the juicy indulgence of a Dirty Buns burger, Davido is always invited to the table. In fact, he’s the most added artist in Gen Z playlists centred around meals in Nigeria.

With Davido on the speakers, every single bite simply hits harder.

When it comes to the ultimate anthem for good vibes and great eats, and Zinoleesky’s infectious hit, Party No Dey Stop, leads as the most added track to Nigerian Gen Z playlists dedicated to mealtimes.

Dirty Buns founder, Feyikewa Animashaun, said: “We’re all cooking.

There is no better way for burgers and music bangers to come together than with this collaboration.

From the beginning, we’ve always curated playlists that match the mood and energy of the brand,” said Animashaun.

“So this partnership with Spotify? It just makes perfect sense. It’s a chance to bring the Dirty Buns experience to life even more.

It’s an experience where the food hits hard, and the music hits harder — we’re turning the volume up, literally,” Animashaun added.