The Needle / Malawi

“The Needle / Malawi” is a playlist that blends global pop, gospel, Afrobeat, and alternative sounds into a smooth, eclectic mix. Tracks like OneRepublic’s “Nobody” and Minnie’s “Like A Dream” bring in cinematic energy, while soulful picks like “Gratitude” by BIBLOFI and Mass Anthem or Dunsin Oyekan’s “No Me Without You” anchor the collection in faith-driven lyricism. There's also a strong Malawian presence, with homegrown talent like Name's ChaPo and Tuno Mw on “Zivute Zokha” and Crispy Malawi’s feature on “Nyimbo yabho,” adding a local layer to the expansive mix.

Alongside introspective moments from artists like vaultboy and ilyaugust, uptempo energy comes from tracks such as “Bula Nthweo” and “Tshwala Bam X Soweto - Mash Up.” Gospel, reggae, amapiano, and even anime-inspired flips show up throughout, giving the playlist a genre-hopping appeal that moves seamlessly between reflective and hype. Whether it’s DJ Zinhle’s “Mdali” or the tougher edge of GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be,” it’s a versatile listen that moves from spiritual to celebratory without missing a beat.