Kenya’s Maandy named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for May 

Maandy is a versatile multi-genre musician, with her first two albums Kabaya (2019) and Frisky (2021) slipping between rapid-fire trap, hip hop grit and bouncy dancehall styles. Her latest release ‘Tena’ is currently enjoying massive airplay on radio and in clubs.

Among the few female artists leading the gengetone revolution, Maandy joins other Kenyan musical stars Muthoni Drummer Qeen, Nikita Kering’ and Xeniah Manasseh who have also been named Spotify EQUAL ambassadors in the past.

The EQUAL Africa programme seeks to spotlight and amplify the voices of African female artists breaking down barriers and making waves in music. In addition, it widens their fanbase by exposing their catalogue to global listenership. Listen to Maandy’s single ‘Nitarudi‘ on the EQUAL Africa playlist.

“Being a part of the EQUAL programme means a lot to me,” Maandy said. “I feel seen and appreciated for my work as a woman in the music industry,” Navigating a male-dominated industry requires composure and a lot of resilience. As intimidating as it might get sometimes, one has to realise they have just as much right to occupy these spaces as the men.”

Spotify’s head of music in sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, says it is a privilege to be able to support and usher in the next wave of talented female artists to new audiences across the globe. “We are very proud of Maandy and her contributions to the genre and will continue to support her as she grows as an artist,” she said.

Maandy began her musical career in 2016, churning out bold, provocative tracks. Some fan favourites include ‘Sirudi Home‘, ‘Shash na Lipgloss’ and ‘BTW’.

The singer, who says she is a shy person and awkward in social settings, was drawn to music at a young age. “I knew that I wanted to pursue it as a career. I honestly never saw myself seated behind a desk, working a nine-to-five. I would say my reason for pursuing this craft is, music makes me feel like I belong, and I feel like that’s one thing all of us desire, just to feel like we belong.

“Growing up, I listened to a lot of Kenyan music, especially the genge genre. But it was the women like Ratatat and Lady S that inspired me to become the songwriter I am and to this day I listen to a lot of their work.”

The artist advises young people to take a chance on themselves, saying they will be surprised by how much they can achieve and what they are capable of.