Spotify has celebrated Nigerian fast-rising artist Ayra Starr, as the newest artist to join the EQUAL Music Programme as their EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month.
Spotify EQUAL aims to promote gender equality in music by providing a platform to recognize significant female creators. Ayra Starr joins a long list of fierce African women making waves in the music industry.
The 19-year-old singer is a rising Nigerian Afro-Pop and R&B star whose charismatic music style is bold and fearless, influencing and encouraging others, particularly those who need encouragement.
This announcement followed Ayra’s meteoric rise to prominence following the release of her breakthrough hit, Bloody Samaritan, off her debut studio album, “19 and Dangerous.”
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The album features the chart-topping singles that catapulted the performer to global fame.
The super-talented and flamboyant “fashion killer” crooner is one of Nigeria’s most promising new voices, showing confidence in her lyrics and entering the ranks of Gen-Z musicians that are pioneering the type of sound that younger fans like.
According to the Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu he said:
“Our aim with the EQUAL programme is to create a space on the platform that allows us to solely amplify the work of female creators,” .“Ayra represents the rise of new-age female artists whose creativity and determination breaks barriers between genres. She possesses the boldness and swagger that we’re used to seeing from pop artists, but has an edge that feels symbolic of the listening habits of Gen-Zers. We aim to amplify more confident female voices like hers through EQUAL.”
Given the gender dynamics in the music industry, Ayra appreciated the recognition.
She responded saying :
‘’It feels good to be a part of the generation that is changing the narrative and being appreciated for our contribution to society, irrespective of the sector and age. I’m grateful to Spotify EQUAL for this feature that shines a light on women in a male-dominated industry. It makes me feel seen, and I’m sure it’s done so for everyone who has been featured before me,”.
In addition, The fast-rising act will be featured on Spotify’s Times Square billboard in New York as the newest artist to join the EQUAL Music Programme, and her smash hit, Bloody Samaritan, will lead the EQUAL Africa playlist and feature on the EQUAL Global playlist