Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is making waves once again as she takes center stage as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa and Global Artist for the month of May. This incredible achievement highlights not only Ayra Starr’s immense talent but also Spotify’s commitment to promoting gender equity in the music industry.
Ayra Starr’s unique sound and captivating performances have earned her a legion of fans around the world, making her a rising star in the Afrobeats genre. Her dedication to her craft and ability to connect with her audience have made her an inspiration for aspiring musicians everywhere.
Being named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa and Global Artist for May is a testament to Ayra Starr’s talent and hard work. This recognition follows her previous inclusion in the EQUAL Africa program in November 2021, joining fellow Nigerian artist Tiwa Savage as the only other African artist to hold both titles simultaneously.
Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, shared that their goal is to empower women in the music industry and create a level playing field for all. Ayra Starr’s success story is proof of Africa’s immense talent and the impact of platforms like Spotify in supporting and promoting artists worldwide.
In 2023, Spotify hosted 15 EQUAL activations, resulting in over 14.8 million artist discoveries from EQUAL playlists and 11,800 editorial playlist adds for EQUAL artists. This demonstrates the program’s impact and reach in promoting gender equity in the music industry.
Ayra Starr’s hit song “Commas,” released in February, has already garnered over 35 million streams on Spotify, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with. Speaking on her recent achievement, Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to be part of Spotify’s EQUAL program, inspiring and empowering women in the music industry.
Lastly, Ayra Starr’s rise to global recognition as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa and Global Artist for May is a true testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and highlights the importance of platforms like Spotify in promoting gender equity and supporting artists worldwide.