Ayra Starr doubles up as Spotify's EQUAL Africa and Global Artist for May

She joins fellow Nigerian Tiwa Savage, who is the only other African artist to be both the Spotify EQUAL Africa and Global artist.

Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify's Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa said: “Our commitment at Spotify is to support and empower women in the music industry, helping to create a more level playing field.

Seeing artists like Ayra Starr come from the continent to gain global recognition serves as a true testament that Africa is full of talent, all that is needed is a platform. It has been a great journey to witness the growth of female artists who are also inspiring generations to come, which also speaks to our commitment to equally support female artists.”

Ayra Starr whose February release ‘Commas’ already has over 35 million streams on Spotify, spoke on her expressive musical style that has helped her craft a niche in the music industry, and what it means to her being selected as Spotify’s EQUAL artist.

“I am grateful to become a Spotify EQUAL Ambassador. It means so much to me to be able to represent women in Afrobeats and African women in general. There are so many women in music right now and the EQUAL program is doing a great job in highlighting their hard work,” she said.