Spotify names Yemi Alade as EQUAL Africa artist for January

The EQUAL programme seeks to equip female artists with support and resources to grow their craft and reach worldwide audiences through multiple playlists. The beneficiaries also receive off-platform guidance and tools to help take their music careers to even greater heights.

The Afropop musician follows fellow Nigerian stars like Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Aṣa and FAVE, all of whom have previously participated in the initiative.

“It’s a great time to be alive,” Alade said. “Female artists have quadrupled in number compared to a decade ago. The only thing we ask now, in this male-dominated industry, is for EQUAL opportunities. EQUAL opportunities to be seen, for our talents to be showcased, because in the ‘universe of music’ there is no gender, only potential, creativity and pure magic.”

Spotify said: “Yemi is such a talented artist who has already carved out a solid place in the music industry/ Spotify is looking forward to showcasing her talent to an even wider audience, and working with her to further map out her success.”

Alade has released four albums and an EP. An accomplished artist, she won the Best Female Artist Award at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2015 and 2016, and has been nominated for multiple BET and MOBO Awards. She is also an actress and a UN Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador.

Alade is the first African female musician to amass more than 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her single ‘Johnny’, which is now the most viewed video from an African female popstar in history.

In September last year, French manufacturing company BiC announced a partnership deal with Alade to drive cultural, educational and brand initiatives across West Africa.