Op-ed: Five industry lessons from Spotify’s EQUAL Sessions

With African women reshaping the music landscape, the event’s mission was clear: equip these forces with the real-world tools to not just survive, but dominate. Here are five hard-earned truths, straight from the source, that every woman in the music industry needs to know:

Everyone can be your mentor

A traditional approach to mentorship will always have a place in the growth matrix, but Jackie Queens, the co-chapter director of SheSaid.So South Africa said to occasionally forgo the former and embrace the power of ‘reverse mentorship’. This entails looking toward those around you for guidance. Your peers are navigating the industry alongside you, mastering skills you might be overlooking, and younger creatives are tapped into the freshest sounds, trends, and looks.

Connecting across generations and skill sets is a reciprocal exchange that fuels everyone's growth, resulting in a stronger, more creatively defying output that moves the needle.

Understand that ‘community’ isn't a buzzword – it’s a lifeline

Phiona Okumu, head of music, Spotify Africa, alongside industry heavyweights Annie Hwang, A&R and Management, and Shekhinah, emphasised that an artist's journey is intertwined with the collective. Being an active participant in the music ecosystem means engaging in the conversations that shape the industry, supporting emerging talent, and recognising the power you have to influence what’s next. Seek out platforms and initiatives like EQUAL Africa that champion women, actively engage with your fans and peers, and implement, where applicable, the tools and tips that are shared.

Master the brilliant basics of music

Having a firm grasp of the fundamentals of music publishing is essential. From composition and mastering to copyright and royalty structures, Tumi Mogapi, head of publishing at Africori, encouraged artists to learn it all to some degree. Every step in the process is intricately intertwined, and ignoring them is like building a mansion on beach sand. Arm yourself with this knowledge, as it's the key to navigating deals, protecting your creations, and ensuring you get paid what you’re worth.

Embracing the seasons of creation

Linda Ayoola, global head of music at Platoon, stressed the importance of self-recognition. Don't wait for someone else to hand you the accolades – when it’s due, acknowledge your hustle, your talent, and your impact. She also asserted the power of finding your voice and using it. Speak with conviction, share your insights, and don't be afraid to take up space - your unique perspective is what the industry needs to hear.

Supporting this was South African composer and singer Msaki, who peeled back the layers of the creative process, reminding us that it's not always a linear climb. When navigating the often-turbulent waters of the music value chain, remember you are an artist first and a key element of the music business. Collaboration can be magic, but never lose sight of your authenticity. Remember to respect your process, set boundaries to protect yourself, and fiercely advocate for your worth. And when the creative well feels a little dry? Don't panic. Understand that creativity has its ebbs and flows, so take the time to keep writing, keep experimenting, and above all, be kind to yourself during those quieter periods.

Build (yourself) beyond the stage

Bianca Naidoo, the powerhouse behind Cotton Fest, encouraged artists to think beyond the immediate spotlight and think bigger. What’s the ripple effect of your work?

How can you contribute to positive change within the industry and beyond? Building a legacy is about the impact you have, the doors you open, and the inspiration you leave behind. In order to do this well, artists need to build a support system to lean on, cultivate environments where psychological safety is readily available and actively practice self-care. DemiMa echoed this by offering practical tools to thrive in high-pressure environments, such as breathwork for grounding, chakra meditation for emotional balance, chair yoga for desk-based well-being, and acupressure for immediate relief.

These aren’t just nice-to-knows, they’re the battle-tested strategies shared by women who are actively shaping the future of music. Spotify's EQUAL Africa was a call to action, encouraging women to level up and build the music industry we all deserve.