Nigeria: Ayra Starr joins Spotify’s Equal programme

The initiative forms part of the audio streaming platform’s Equal Hub campaign, which is geared toward fostering equity for women in music globally.

The Afro-fusion and neo-R&B artist joins a growing roster of artists on the programme, including Ghanaian singer Gyakie, American-Rwandan jazz musician Somi and Cape Verdean act Soraia Ramos.

Ayra Starr will be featured on Spotify’s Times Square billboard in New York, with her popular single ‘Bloody Samaritan’ leading the Equal Africa playlist. The song will also be added to the Equal Global playlist.

“It feels good to be a part of the generation that is changing the narrative and being appreciated for our contribution to society, irrespective of the sector and age,” the singer said. “I’m grateful to Spotify Equal for this feature that shines a light on women in a male-dominated industry. It makes me feel seen, and I’m sure it’s done so for everyone who has been featured before me.”

Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said: “Our aim with the Equal programme is to create a space on the platform that allows us to solely amplify the work of female creators. Ayra represents the rise of new-age female artists whose creativity and determination breaks barriers between genres. She possesses the boldness and swagger that we’re used to seeing from pop artists but has an edge that feels symbolic of the listening habits of Gen-Zers. We aim to amplify more confident female voices like hers through Equal.”

Ayra Starr is behind the eponymous EP and the 19 & Dangerous album. Both projects were released this year.