Spotify’s EQUAL Program Highlights 40 African Women Artists Since 2021

Spotify says its EQUAL program has highlighted 40 African women artists since launching in 2021. Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, stated on Wednesday that despite their contributions to African music, many female artists struggle to gain mainstream recognition.

“For many women in music, the struggle isn’t about making hits, it’s about just being heard.

“The lack of exposure limits opportunities for collaborations, airplay and global reach.

“It’s a cycle that stifles growth and innovation, forcing many talented women musicians into the shadows,” she said.

According to Okumu, the initiative aims at providing the artistes with global exposure and breaking industry barriers.

She said Spotify introduced the EQUAL programme to address the issues of limited access to airplay, collaborations, and international audiences hindering the growth of female African artistes.

“At the heart of EQUAL is its mission to increase the representation of women in music,” she said.

She said the EQUAL Global playlist, as well as region-specific ones like EQUAL Africa, have helped in providing emerging and established women artistes the visibility they deserve.

“Within six months of the global EQUAL programme launch in March 2021, EQUAL playlists had cumulatively collected 29 million streams from 177 different markets.“So far, Spotify has profiled and amplified the voices of close to 40 African women artists on the continent, celebrating their talent while contributing to the growing global recognition of African music.

“It, therefore, didn’t come as a surprise that South African singer, Tyla, who was once part of the EQUAL programme, made history as the first African artiste with a solo track to surpass one billion streams on Spotify with her hit single “Water”.

“This achievement marked a turning point in African music, proving that sole women artistes from the continent can command massive global audiences and shape mainstream music culture,” she said.Spotify has also supported several African artists through its EQUAL program, including Ayra Starr, Gyakie, FAVE, Nikita Kering, and Demi Lee Moore.

Okumu noted that the program has set a precedent for inclusivity in the music industry. However, while EQUAL has made progress in promoting gender equity, she emphasized the need for broader industry action. She called on stakeholders—including artists, listeners, and industry leaders—to work together to build on this foundation and make gender equity in music a lasting reality.

NAN/Oluchi