You might have seen the news recently that Spotify has named singer and songwriter Solana as its EQUAL Africa Artist for October. This selection celebrates a rising artist known for her world-building and her intentional visual identity. Her evolving sound spans alt-R&B, electronic and pop while drawing from her deep Nigerian roots.
The EQUAL Africa programme celebrates, supports, and amplifies women artists across the continent by connecting their music with global audiences. This recognition arrives during a busy month in her career anchored by the featured single. Her featured single, Okunkun, is a Yoruba-language track that explores resilience through life’s darker moments.
The spotlight also coincides with her first performance in South Africa at Spotify's EQUAL Artist Showcase in Johannesburg on 14 October. Her artistry is defined by intentional visual and sonic storytelling from her signature hairstyle to her urbanised use of traditional attire. She is building a visual identity that is her own for her dedicated audience. This recognition comes under the banner of EQUAL Africa for artists on the continent.
Her world-building also extends to her fan community, known as Lanterns, whom she continues to bring closer to her creative journey. She shares exclusive first-listens and intimate meet-ups with that specific fan group on a monthly basis. Growing up listening to Nigerian music icons like King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Lagbaja helps her channel roots. The EQUAL Africa programme allows her music to connect with audiences across the entire continent.
As her artistry evolves, she plans to introduce audiences to the different dimensions of her sound. She will gradually explore electronic, alt-R&B and pop music styles in the upcoming process. Her upcoming single O Ri Mi drops on 16 October for everyone listening to find it. This is followed by her anticipated EP, Girl from the West, Act I, on 6 November. EQUAL Africa feature sets the stage for this busy rollout season ahead of the EP.
Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify, says Solana has built a world entirely her own. She notes anyone who grew up African will recognise at least one corner of it. “Her sound is one that requires no passport,” Okumu says about the artist today. EQUAL Africa exists to champion this balance between unique and familiar sounds across the globe. We are thrilled to bring her to a South African stage for the first time this October.
Solana shared her thoughts on selection and navigating the music industry during a recent chat. She said light will always shine because that is what it is created to do. A woman may face harder odds, but she accepts this as a people problem not her own. Being part of EQUAL Africa makes her feel seen no matter the obstacles.
She also offered advice for someone dreading following their dreams by keeping showing up for themselves. She says you can cry when you have to, fall when you have to, but do not stay down. Music connects people and brings them together across the continent through EQUAL Africa shows.
Image: (1993) March on Washington for LGB Equal Rights and Liberation -- 33.jpg by James Steakley, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons