Ghanaian Afrobeats and Afro-fusion sensation Gyakie has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first African creator ever selected for Spotify’s inaugural class of EQUAL artists. This prestigious recognition highlights the rising global influence of African talent and Spotify’s commitment to fostering gender equity in the music industry.

The 20-year-old singer has rapidly gained prominence since the release of her debut EP ‘Seed’. Her chart-topping single ‘Forever’, and its remix featuring Omah Lay, have become fan favourites not only in Ghana but also across Nigeria and Kenya, underscoring her widespread appeal. Gyakie joins a distinguished group of international female artists in this inaugural class, including American rapper Saweetie, Brazilian pop artist Duda Beat, British singer-songwriter Griff, Mexico’s Natalia Lafourcade, and German singer Zoe Wees, who is also the Global Artist of the Month.

Expressing her gratitude for this honour, Gyakie emphasized its broader significance. She stated, “I am deeply honoured to be the first African woman to partner with Spotify for EQUAL. This is huge for so many women across the continent and the entire globe. I don’t take this lightly at all.” She further highlighted the challenges women face in the industry, asserting her commitment to amplify female voices: “Navigating an industry, where the voices of women can easily be drowned out, I’m committed to playing my part…with volume.”

Spotify’s EQUAL initiative, which includes the EQUAL hub launched in celebration of International Women’s Day, is designed to address the stark gender disparities prevalent in the music industry. The platform notes that only one in five artists in the charts are women, a figure that sharply contrasts with the undeniable influence women have on Spotify’s success and the music industry at large. Recognizing this imbalance, Spotify is taking proactive steps to amplify the work of women creators by extending critical resources and creating opportunities through the new EQUAL Music Program.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, reiterated the company’s dedication to this cause. She stated, “In a time where we as a society are re-examining equity on so many levels, Spotify is prioritising its goal to make female faces and voices seen and heard.” Okumu further articulated Spotify’s ambition to lead by example and collaborate with African music industry stakeholders to elevate the next generation of women in music to new and deserving heights.

The comprehensive Spotify EQUAL Music Program encompasses several key components. It features EQUAL local playlists, each tailored to its 35 markets spanning over 50 countries, as well as an EQUAL Global Playlist showcasing music from EQUAL artists worldwide. A core element is the EQUAL Artists of the Month initiative, where one artist from each participating market is featured on the cover of their respective local playlist and receives extensive organic and on-platform promotion across Spotify’s editorial spaces. Additionally, the program includes a ‘Created By Women Playlist’, featuring 40 songs entirely written, produced, and performed by women, and the ‘EQUAL Board’, a collaborative network of organizations partnering with Spotify to empower women globally.