Spotify’s EQUAL program supports female artists, giving them a global platform through playlists, content hubs, and partnerships. Nigerian Afrobeats artist Ayra Starr, known for her hits such as Rush, Sability and Rhythm & Blues, and more, takes the spotlight for Spotify’s EQUAL Africa and EQUAL Global program this May. She joins fellow Nigerian Tiwa Savage, who is the only other African artist to be both the Spotify EQUAL Africa and Global artist.

Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa says, “Our commitment at Spotify is to support and empower women in the music industry, helping to create a more level playing field. Seeing artists like Ayra Starr come from the continent to gain global recognition serves as a true testament that Africa is full of talent, all that is needed is a platform. It has been a great journey to witness the growth of female artists who are also inspiring generations to come, which also speaks to our commitment to equally support female artists.”

Spotify hosted 15 EQUAL activations and over 14.8 million artist discoveries stemmed from EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artists received 11,800 editorial playlist adds, all in 2023, further demonstrating the program’s impact and reach.

Ayra Starr whose February release Commas already has over 35 million streams on Spotify, spoke on her expressive musical style that has helped her craft a niche in the music industry, and what it means to her being selected as Spotify’s EQUAL artist.

“I am grateful to become a Spotify EQUAL Ambassador. It means so much to me to be able to represent women in Afrobeats and African women in general. There are so many women in music right now and the EQUAL program is doing a great job in highlighting their hard work.”

Ayra Starr to delve deeper into her music and creative journey:

How is the Spotify EQUAL program significant, from your perspective?

There are so many women in music today, behind the scenes, in front of the camera, musicians, sound engineers, all these women working hard and Spotify EQUAL is doing a great job in highlighting all their hard work.

What does this mean to you as a person, being Spotify’s EQUAL artist for the month both from an African and Global perspective?

It means everything to me because I am a girl and I have to support my gender and level the playing field.

To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?

I would describe my sound as highly vibrational, eccentric, unique, and beautiful.

Are we expecting any music from you anytime soon?

Yes. I have a new single with Seyi Vibes called ‘Bad Vibes’ and I can’t wait for you guys to hear it. It’s amazing and it’s one of those songs that makes you feel good. The best part about it is that it is not just a regular Afrobeat record, it’s like genres intertwined.

Check out Ayra Starr single Commas on the EQUAL Africa and Global playlists.

Music executive, Paul Okoye, popularly known as Paul O, has claimed that 2024 will be a tough year for Afrobeats singers. In a post shared via his Insta stories, Paul O stated that, apart from Burna Boy and Davido, other artists are in trouble.

The show promoter also revealed that other artistes are finding it difficult to sell their tickets, which may be a result of high ticket prices.He wrote: “2024 will be a tough year for Afrobeat!!! Apart from 2 artists this year, Burnaboy and Davido, they did a few shows.

“Others are in trouble, either they are overpriced or tickets are not selling. Hmmmm, Let us not do what happened to Reggae musicians. Reduce Your Prices. Just think, how many shows you did this year?

In other news – Nigerian music industry has never been peaceful since I joined – Davido

Famous singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has claimed that the Nigerian music industry has never been peaceful since he joined. Davido stated that he loves the chaos in the music industry.

On his X handle on Sunday, the singer wrote: “Since I came in the game dem never get peace .. I love it ! Make I find somewhere with beach go relax. Read more

Famous singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has claimed that the Nigerian music industry has never been peaceful since he joined. Davido stated that he loves the chaos in the music industry.

On his X handle on Sunday, the singer wrote: “Since I came in the game dem never get peace .. I love it ! Make I find somewhere with beach go relax.”The DMW boss has previously alleged that some of his colleagues in the music industry are ganging up against him . Me vs the industry! Love it!,” he wrote via X in 2022.

Davido announced his entry into the Nigerian music industry with ‘Back When’ and ‘Dami Duro’ the lead singles from his debut studio album, ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ (2012).

Since then, he has risen to be one of the three leaders of the new school Afrobeats, alongside Wizkid and Burna Boy. Davido has stated in several interviews that he does not have a cordial relationship with Wizkid and Burna Boy.

In other news – Military forcefully took away suspected oil bunkers from police custody – IGP tells court

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the military forcefully took away some suspects allegedly involved in oil bunkering from police custody.

Counsel to the IGP, Idris Mohammed, revealed this to Justice James Omotosho when the matter was called for the alleged oil bunkers to take their plea in a five-count criminal charge filed against them. The IGP had, in an earlier charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/60/2024, listed 19 alleged oil bunkerers for prosecution. Read more