Kenya: Njerae named Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador for June

Njerae joins a growing list of women artists on the continent receiving global recognition through the platform’s flagship gender equity programme.

With a sound that blends soulful vocals and intimate storytelling, Njerae has been praised for her emotionally resonant music, which she describes as a form of release, healing, and self-expression. Her selection for EQUAL Africa places her at the centre of a campaign that aims to amplify the voices of African women in music, particularly in genres and spaces where they are often underrepresented.

“This is such a huge opportunity for me, and I’m super excited to have my face on such a platform,” Njerae said. “It’s such an amazing programme, especially one that focuses on putting women on top, empowering them and I love that. It pushes us, and it’s a huge honour.”

Njerae’s musical journey began in what she calls a “quiet rebellion.” An introvert by nature, she turned to writing as a means of processing the world around her first through poetry, penned in the aftermath of a national tragedy, and later through music. What began as a private emotional outlet soon evolved into a powerful public voice.

Her influences include celebrated Kenyan acts like Sauti Sol and Phy, and her work reflects a reverence for African musical heritage while offering a distinctive, contemporary sound. In a male-dominated industry, Njerae’s approach is not confrontational, but confident and clear. “Again, I never let being a woman interfere with my journey,” she said. “I’m going to keep pushing and going after what I want regardless of my gender, and I will not dim my light for anything because I’m a woman.”

Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme forms part of the broader Spotify EQUAL initiative, which seeks to foster equity for women in audio by celebrating their talent and providing them with increased visibility. As part of her feature, Njerae’s music will be highlighted on the EQUAL Africa playlist, with her image also appearing on Spotify billboards and digital platforms across the continent.