SA: TxC named Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassadors for July

Comprising Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, TxC, known for their innovative contributions to the amapiano genre, continue to break barriers and set new standards in the South African music scene. Their unique sound, infectious energy and dedication to their craft have not only earned them a loyal fanbase but also positioned them as role models for aspiring female artists.

“We are thrilled to welcome TxC as our EQUAL Ambassadors for July,” Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said. “Their trailblazing work in the amapiano genre and their commitment to empowering women in music make them perfect ambassadors for this initiative. At Spotify, we believe in creating a platform where all artists can thrive, and we are excited to shine a spotlight on TxC’s incredible talent and influence.”

Responding to the news, TxC said: “Working in a space that has been male-dominated for a long time has had its fair share of challenges but has also been so much more rewarding. When we first started, we had to prove ourselves 10 times more as being worthy of being within this specific music scene. Now, women have been more accepted, which is such a proud feeling.

“We are delighted to be part of such a prestigious programme as EQUAL, seeing women being celebrated and recognised for the work and effort they put into their craft is always rewarding so we thank Spotify for making us part of such an elite and well-rounded programme.”

The duo, who grew up listening to the likes of Brenda Fassie, Mafikizolo and Jamali, among others, say they came from musically inclined families where music played a big role.

“We [just] took it a step further by actually deciding to fully enter the music space in 2019 by becoming DJs and teaming up with producers and artists to create our own music.

“As for why we decided to pursue a career in music, it comes from seeing how music is able to connect and bring people together regardless of social or cultural barriers. Once we had the opportunity to get on stage for the first time and were able to perform for a crowd, nerves and anxiety automatically disappeared within the first few minutes. That’s when we knew that this is definitely our passion. The impact music has on people can never be replaced.”

On what advice they can give someone dreading following their dreams, TxC said: “Just keep moving forward! Obstacles and uncertainties may arise, but regardless of this, remember that nothing worth having comes easy. You also have to be eager to constantly evolve and grow and remember to surround yourself with people who will celebrate your wins whether big or small. You should also be open to positive criticism.”

Spotify’s EQUAL programme supports female artists, giving them a global platform through playlists, content and the EQUAL hub, which has generated over 31 billion editorial streams across 1 billion listening hours. EQUAL has added more than 6 900 female artists to the EQUAL playlist and has supported over 1 000 ambassadors in their home countries including South Africa. Through EQUAL, Spotify hopes to inspire change and promote a more inclusive music landscape across the globe.

Check out TxC’s song ‘Yebo’ on the EQUAL Africa playlist.