Kenya: Nikita Kering' named Spotify EQUAL artist for November

The singer, who is set to release her new EP titled The Other Side, joins an illustrious group of artists who have been featured in the programme, which shines a spotlight on some of Africa’s leading female musicians. Other Kenyans who have been named in the initiative are Muthoni Drummer Queen and Ssaru.

“Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme is this month spotlighting somewhat of a child prodigy,” Spotify said. “The award-winning singer and songwriter joins a group of female artists from the continent who exude confidence, compassion and fierceness. And she has all of this in spades, having built a formidable career at just 20 years old.”

A thrilled Nikita Kering' said: “I am honoured to be named as this month’s EQUAL ambassador. I'm happy that platforms like EQUAL create a safe space where we can share our experiences as women artists.

“As a young woman, making music has always been more than just vibes. It’s been a blessing. However, having to always keep a third eye open has been a big challenge. Like any other male-dominated field, it’s hard to know if my talent and expertise will be enough to get me to the top.”

The singer, who started performing when she was just four years old, has won several accolades, including All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMAs) for Best R&B and Soul Artist, and Best Female Artist in East Africa. At the 2019 AFRIMAs, she won the Best Female Artist in East Africa and Revelation of the African Continent awards.

In 2020, she was the youngest performer at the annual Women in Music concert series in Nairobi. The following year, she released her debut EP A Side of Me to rave reviews. Her biggest single, ‘Ex’, was one of the most streamed songs in Kenya on Spotify last year.

EQUAL Africa seeks to provide women artists with the support and resources to grow their craft and reach worldwide audiences. The selected artists also receive off-platform tools and guidance to develop their careers.

“As a company known for being at the forefront of empowering artists since it was founded, Spotify is proud to have the talented Nikita Kering' join the EQUAL Africa family as the artist for November. We are looking forward to working with her to help build on her growing fan base,” Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said.

Nikita Kering' says she hopes to break the silence around mental health struggles through her upcoming EP.