Popular music streaming site Spotify has announced the launch of its new EQUAL Music Program thus extending its global commitment to fostering equity for women in music.
The launch of the product which seeks to amplify the work of all creators identifying as women comes weeks after its recent unveiling of its EQUAL hub in celebration of International Women’s Day.
According to a statement by Spotify management, the global initiative is uniquely designed to foster gender equity in music by adapting and extending the cumulative blueprint of Spotify’s successful programs into a cohesive experience – supporting female creators under one brand.
“Only one in five artistes in the charts are women, a stark contrast to how integral women’s influence is to Spotify’s success today and the music industry at large. Spotify takes the responsibility of upending these disparities seriously and believes the first step towards amplifying the work of all creators identifying as women are to extend critical resources to this community to create opportunity,” Phiona Okumu, Spotify Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa said.
Speaking on the initiative, Okumu added that 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.
“Our goal is to lead by example, joining hands with the African music industry stakeholders with the means and platform to help elevate the next generation of women in the music industry to deserving new heights,” she added.
Spotify’s inaugural class of EQUAL artists kicking off the program includes Ghanaian Afrobeats & Afro-fusion singer Gyakie, who is the first African creator to be selected for the program.
