Oyogist.com has learned that, Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, has been celebrated by Spotify as she joins the Equal Music Programme as the Equal Africa artiste of the month of November.
This was made known in a statement by Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said Spotify welcomes Ayra as she joins the list of fierce African women making waves in music.
Okumu said that the 19-year-old singer is a burgeoning Nigerian Afro-Pop and R&B singer whose charismatic music style was daring, undaunted impacting and empowering people, especially those who needed encouragement.
“Okumu said the super-talented and vibrant fashion killer was one of Nigeria’s most promising new voices and exuded confidence in her songs, joining Gen-Z artists who are pioneering the kind of sound that younger audiences were leaning towards.”
“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 artistes whose creativity and determination breaks barriers between genres.
“She possesses the boldness and swagger that we are used to seeing from pop artistes, 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,” she said.
Ayra welcomed the acknowledgement given gender dynamics in the music industry.
”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 am 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 am sure it is done so for everyone who has been featured before me,” she said.
As the latest artiste to join the EQUAL Music Programme, Ayra Starr will also feature on Spotify’s Times Square billboard in New York.
