Entertainment
Hitmaker Yemi Alade Is Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Programme Ambassador
Nigerian star Yemi Alade, a leading female Afro Pop artist in Africa, is the latest musician to join the list of accomplished artists featured on the EQUAL Africa playlist.
Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme has kicked off 2023 by shining its spotlight on the multi-talented artist.
The Spotify EQUAL Africa programme seeks to provide female artists with the support and resources to grow their craft and reach worldwide audiences through multiple playlists. The beneficiaries also receive off-platform guidance and tools to help take their music careers to even greater heights.
“It’s a great time to be alive, female artists have quadrupled in number compared to a decade ago. The only thing we ask now, in this male-dominated industry, is for equal opportunities. Equal opportunities to be seen, for our talents to be showcased, because in the ‘universe of music’ there is no gender, only potential, creativity, and pure magic,” Alade says.
Alade is no stranger to the spotlight. With four albums, an EP and hit singles such as Johnny, Shekere, Africa, oh my gosh, and Bum Bum under her belt, she is part of the Afro Pop elite.
Her performances have lit up stages across Africa, Europe and the USA performing for among others, the British Royal Family, but this singer-songwriter is also a hit on the small screen. Alade is the first African female Afro Pop star to hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her smash hit single Johnny, which is now the most viewed video from an African female pop star ever.
Alade is also a multi-award winner, taking home the 2015 and 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards for best female artist and has been nominated for multiple BET and MOBO Awards. She is a featured artist on the track Don’t Jealous Me, which appears on Beyoncé’s compilation album “The Lion King: The Gift”, alongside Mr Eazi and Tekno, and guests on the lead single on Angelique Kidjo’s Grammy winning album, “Mother Nature”.
Outside of her music, Alade is an actress and a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador who operates her own charity, the James and Helen Pathway Foundation.
Entertainment
Fave Takes the Spotlight As Spotify’s Equal Africa Artist For November
Spotify has named Nigerian music sensation FAVE as its EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for November 2024.
With her soulful voice, captivating lyrics, and unique rhythmic style, FAVE has become one of Nigeria’s most influential musical figures, gaining international recognition.
FAVE’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the viral hit “N.B.U.,” followed by her debut EP Riddim 5. She has since collaborated with top Nigerian artists like Olamide, Simi, Phyno, and Davido. Notably, her feature on Davido’s “Kante” from the Timeless album was one of Spotify’s most-streamed tracks in Nigeria in 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, FAVE shared, “Being a woman in the music industry can be challenging, but it’s made me more determined. The EQUAL program is vital because it amplifies women’s voices and promotes balance in the industry.”
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised FAVE’s global appeal, saying, “FAVE represents the incredible talent coming out of Africa, and we’re proud to celebrate her as part of the EQUAL Africa program. She’s an inspiration for future artists.”
She recently released a new track titled Dutty Love on November 7.
Entertainment
Kenyan Music Producer DTX Encourages Listeners To Get ‘High’ On Life’s Wins With New Single
Kenyan music producer and songwriter DTX is set to make waves with the release of his newest single, High.
Known for his dynamic production style that seamlessly blends a wide array of genres—including pop, electronic, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, afrobeat, trap, drill, dubstep, and EDM—DTX continues to push boundaries in Kenya’s music scene. This versatility is on full display in High, a track that promises to resonate with music lovers everywhere.
High is an energizing, celebratory track that encapsulates the pure joy of life’s victories. Whether it’s a milestone, a special moment, or a burst of confidence, the song is a call to revel in life’s highs, whatever they may be. Through this single, DTX creates a universal message aimed at inspiring happiness and self-assurance across all walks of life.
“I made this track so people can embrace and cherish their highs, whatever form they take,” says DTX. “Whether it’s love, success, career achievements, or personal growth, I want listeners to celebrate themselves and feel proud.”
DTX has earned acclaim for producing some of Kenya’s most beloved tracks, including Sauti Sol’s Rhumba Japani, Savara’s Balance, and Nyashinski’s Silencer. His unique touch and dedication to innovation have cemented his reputation as one of Kenya’s leading music producers.
With High, DTX invites fans to reflect on their accomplishments, big or small, and add a soundtrack to their personal triumphs. The track is a reminder to take a moment, let loose, and enjoy life’s special moments with unbridled joy.
Entertainment
Pop Star Ariana Grande Slows Down Music To Embrace Musical Theatre Roots
Ariana Grande recently shared her plans to slow down her music career, a move she knows might surprise her fans.
Speaking on the ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast, the 31-year-old pop star revealed how playing Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation has reignited her love for musical theatre. While she promised not to abandon music entirely, Grande explained she no longer envisions keeping up her intense pop music pace.
“It is my heart,” she said, adding, “I’m always going to make music and perform, but not at the rate I have been for the past 10 years.”
Grande, whose career began with the Broadway musical 13 at age 15, reflected on the joy of returning to her roots. “Reconnecting with this part of myself and finding roles to use my comedy and musical theatre background has been healing,” she shared, emphasizing the emotional importance of this shift.
The former Victorious star acknowledged the mixed reactions to her casting as Glinda, admitting on the ‘Sentimental Man’ podcast that she felt the need to prove herself. “It has to be earned,” she said, highlighting the training she undertook to prepare.
Grande aims to balance her love for theatre with continued work in music—at a pace that feels more sustainable for her future.
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