Nigeria: Dunnie joins Spotify EQUAL programme

Spotify says the initiative forms part of a commitment to highlight women creators while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the music industry. Launched in April 2021, the programme has featured a growing list of African artists including Ayra Starr, Aṣa, Gyakie, Somi, DBN Gogo and Soraia Ramos.

As an EQUAL artist, Dunnie will be spotlighted in various ways on Spotify, with her latest single ‘Jalo’ being featured in the EQUAL Africa and EQUAL Global playlists.

“My experience working in a male-dominated industry has been a learning curve, and although challenging, it’s been a blessing being part of the people breaking barriers in an uncharted territory,” Dunnie said. “I am immensely honoured and grateful to be part of the EQUAL programme, and I hope to inspire more women to know that they too can do whatever they put their mind to.”

Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said: “We are delighted to have Dunnie as our EQUAL Africa ambassador for November. She embodies the spirit of diversity and creativity that we aim to champion with this initiative. Dunnie’s music has touched the hearts of many, and we believe that her story and her voice will inspire others within and beyond the African music community.”

Dunnie, born Dunni Alexandra Lawal, first gained recognition as a finalist on the popular music show Star The Winner Is in 2014.

Since then, Dunnie has written, produced and provided background vocals for both international and local award-winning artists such as Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Falz, Oxlade, Becca, KiDi and Busiswa.

She gained fame for her hit singles, including ‘Overdose (Remix)’ featuring Oxlade, ‘Already Won’ featuring Chike, and her recent release, ‘DND’. Her past collaborations have been highly successful, leading to a nomination at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMAs) in 2021 for her outstanding feature in ‘Love Song’ by Busiswa. Notably, Dunnie recently produced two songs, ‘Nobody Holy’ and ‘Dues,’ for Nigerian superstar Wande Coal’s latest album Legend or No Legend. Last month, she also shared her fourth project, the eight-track Anomaly EP, which she says serves as a window to her different personalities.

On the reason she chose to pursue music professionally, Dunnie said. “Music has been an integral part of my communication. As a child growing up, I struggled with expressing my emotions and thoughts verbally until I discovered music, and it became my safe haven where I could express in songs the things I couldn’t say with just words. The icing on the cake is when other people can relate with what I’m saying.”