Nigeria’s Ladé named Spotify Fresh Finds Africa artist for July

Fresh Finds Africa is a monthly programme designed to enable emerging artists to gain recognition, exposure and long-term success. It forms part of Spotify’s continued commitment to support the African music industry, through initiatives such as EQUAL and RADAR. Additionally, the programme caters to fans and industry trendsetters looking to find exciting new talent.

Ladé will now headline the Fresh Finds Africa playlist with her runaway hit ‘Adulthood Anthem’. “The joy that comes with being recognised for what you do consistently is an entirely different feeling. I honestly cannot hide it. I am so grateful,” Ladé said.

Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said the streaming service was proud to welcome Ladé to the Fresh Finds Africa programme. “She is a voice for the youth of today, not just in her homeland Nigeria but globally. She has captured the hearts of our editorial staff and those of more than 300 000 users on TikTok by expressing herself in an authentic and relatable manner on this track. She’s an incredible individual with beautiful vocals. Ladé is the voice, without a doubt.”

Born Omolade Oyetundun Rachael, Ladé first secured mainstream notice after covering Simi’s ‘Duduke,’ which received more than 20 000 views on social media in 2020. Apart from her 2022 runaway hit ‘Adulthood Anthem’, Ladé is behind 2021’s Omolade (The EP) release. She has also recorded a number of jingles for TV and radio commercials.