Nigeria: Ṣẹwà named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for November

The EQUAL Africa programme supports and promotes women artists across the continent, helping them reach wider international audiences.

As part of the recognition, Ṣẹwà’s single ‘Lése’ has been featured on the platform. The self-produced track explores heartbreak and emotional vulnerability through introspective lyrics, rock-influenced drums and jazz elements.

Written in her studio apartment, the song was developed through remote collaborations with musicians in Lagos, New York, Dubai, Canada and Australia. The international contributions helped create an arrangement designed to capture the sound and energy of a live band.

Ṣẹwà’s musical development has been shaped by personal experiences and creative independence. A largely self-taught multi-instrumentalist and producer, she began learning guitar during a difficult period of recovery following the loss of her father, a musician and conga player who played an important role in establishing the musical environment in her household.

Learning to play ‘Bamidele’ by Nigerian singer Asa on guitar marked an important step in her relationship with music, which gradually developed from a source of personal comfort into a creative pursuit.

Her musical influences include Asa, Beautiful Nubia, Brenda Fassie, Fatoumata Diawara, King Sunny Adé, Lagbaja and Pasuma. Drawing from these influences, she incorporates detailed instrumentation and personal experiences into her songwriting, exploring themes such as grief, healing, love and personal growth.