Kenya’s Fena Gitu named Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador

EQUAL Africa is a female-focused artists programme aimed at fostering diversity, equality and inclusion within the music industry. It is rotated through a monthly ambassadorship and offers on- and off-platform support to artists, in order to amplify the female voices in the music industry on the continent.

“By providing equal opportunities for female artists, the industry becomes more inclusive, ensuring a broader range of perspectives and narratives,” Spotify’s artist and label partnerships manager in East Africa, Monica Kemoli-Savanne, said. “This not only challenges stereotypes but also contributes to the preservation of diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, visible representation of successful female musicians serves as inspiration for aspiring talents, breaking down barriers and encouraging the next generation of artists.”

On learning about being selected for the ambassadorship, Fena Gitu said: “It's an immense honour to be recognised by Spotify EQUAL as a leading female voice to listen out for on the continent. I do hope that my music continues to inspire hope, love and to heal generations and spread good vibes for the mind, body and soul – all over the world.”

Fena Gitu is a highly acclaimed recording and performing artist who has been in the music industry for more than 13 years, boasting an extensive music catalogue of over 60 released songs.

She grew up listening to Kenyan pop and gospel and says artists such as the late E-Sir, Kleptomaniax, Nazizi, Ogopa Deejays and Gospel Fathers gave her the first impression of what being a Kenyan superstar looked and sounded like.

“I was also listening to international artists such as Missy Elliott, India Arie, Destiny’s Child, a lot of Jamaican dancehall, South African music and much more. All these cool urban sounds influenced my writing skills and perspective from a young age. I still listen to a lot of Kenyan and African pop/fusion, keeping up with the best of the best on the continent.”

Fena Gitu started writing, producing, recording and performing music in primary school and got serious about it in high school where “the palpable energy of hosting disruptive ‘concerts’ in the dorm after lights out in boarding school reaffirmed her passion and desire to be a global star.” She carried on through university and eventually broke into the Kenyan music scene, and 13 years on she is still hungry for more and has set her sights on the global stage.

Describing her sound and style, the introverted artist said: “I call my style in music and fashion ‘Fenamenal’ – soulful Afro-urban fusion. The tone is aspirational, seasoned, nostalgic, refreshing, witty and calm. I am keen on lyrical wordplay and melodies, wrapped in an irresistible Eastlando [Nairobi’s Eastlands region] bounce.”

Her advice to artists starting out? “Do it afraid. Just, keep doing it.”

Listen to Fena Gitu’s acoustic version of ‘Let Me Go’ on the EQUAL Africa playlist.