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Spotify names February EQUAL Africa ambassador in continued support for female artists
With the announcement of the February 2024 ambassador, Spotify has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting women, building on the success of major artists like Tyla, Ayra Starr, Fave, Simi, and many more who were previously named as the Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassadors.
Kenyan singer Fena Gitu has been appointed as the EQUAL Africa ambassador for the month. With over 13 years of experience in the music scene and a portfolio boasting over 60 released songs, Fena is a seasoned artist known for her talent and creativity.
Describing the announcement as a significant moment in her career, Fena expressed her pride in being selected as part of the Spotify EQUAL Africa initiative. This initiative aims to celebrate women in music and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents and contributions as creative individuals.
She said, “It’s an immense honour to be recognized on Spotify EQUAL as a leading female voice to listen out for on the continent. I do hope that my music continues to inspire hope and love to heal generations, spreading – round good vibes for the mind, body, and soul – all over the world.”
Describing the reason behind the Spotify EQUAL Africa initiative, Spotify‘s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager in East Africa, Monica Kemoli-Savanne, revealed, “Amplifying female voices in the music industry on the continent is essential for fostering gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive musical landscape. By providing equal opportunities for female artists, the industry becomes more inclusive, ensuring a broader range of perspectives and narratives. This not only challenges stereotypes but also contributes to the preservation of diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, visible representation of successful female musicians serves as inspiration for aspiring talents, breaking down barriers and encouraging the next generation.”
She also spoke on the success of the initiative so far stating, “It’s been fantastic to witness the growth trajectory of EQUAL alumni artists such as Tyla and Ayra Starr. They serve as a testament to the immense talent of African female creators, serving as important examples and sources of inspiration for up-coming artists and proving the importance of investing in African female creators. For February, Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador is Fena Gitu, a highly acclaimed Kenyan recording and performing artist who has been in the music industry for over 13 years, boasting an extensive music catalog consisting of 60+ released songs. On learning about the ambassadorship, Fena Gitu said, “It’s an immense honor to be recognised on Spotify EQUAL as a leading female voice to listen out for on the continent. I do hope that my music continues to inspire hope and love to heal generations, spreading – round good vibes for the mind, body, and soul – all over the world.”