Ghana’s Baaba J named Spotify EQUAL Africa artist for April

EQUAL Africa programme seeks to spotlight and amplify the voices of female artists across the continent breaking down barriers and making waves in music.

Baaba J’s music features lyrics in English, Ga and pidgin that are both precise and poetic, touching on themes of love, heartache and the desire to belong. Through her music, Baaba J celebrates individuality and freedom, inspiring others to march to the beat of their own drum.

She joins the ranks of other fellow African artists, including Nikita Kering’, Sio, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Aṣa and FAVE, all of whom have previously participated in the initiative.

Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said the streaming platform was dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and breaking down barriers in the music industry. “We hope that by shining a light on their unique perspectives and experiences, we can inspire a new generation of creators and listeners alike,” she said.

As part of the recognition, Baaba J’s single ‘Outside’ will be featured on the EQUAL Africa playlist. The singer describes her music as African, with traditional folk melodies woven in – an experimentation with various genres both African and Western to produce a sound that is unique and true to her.

Behind the 2020 EP, Lumumba Street, which addresses love, grief, heartache and the desire to belong, Baaba J was part of Ghanaian creatives who met US vice president Kamala Harris during her visit to Ghana last month.

“I’m looking [forward] to a time in the near future where there are more avenues and safe spaces for women to record music and begin their music journeys,” she said. “More women producers, women-owned studios, and women transforming the music scene.”